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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


ON    THE    ROAD 


A    FAMILIAR    TALK 


MY    BROTHERS    AND    FRIENDS 


BY 

CYRUS     HAMLIN     KILBY 

Author  of  "  Bi7iding  of  the  Links  " 


BOSTON 
J.     STILMAN     SMITH     &.    COMPANY 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S91,  by 

CYRUS    HAMLIN    KILBY, 

in    the    office    of  the    Librarian    of  Congress,    at    Washington. 


press  or 

ftochtotll  antr  Ctjurctjill, 

BOSTON. 


/o+l 


PREFACE. 


Kind  Brother  and  Friend:  In  March  I 
crossed  the  threshold  of  Riverside  Lodge,  in  the 
thriving  village  of  Merrimac,  Mass.,  the  last  one 
of  my  long  journey  of  several  months.  During 
these  months  of  frosts  and  chilly  winds  of  winter 
and  autumn  I  have  visited  over  three  hundred 
lodges  of  the  I.O.O.F.,  and  exchanged  fraternal 
greetings  with  many  thousands  of  brothers  of  our 
Order. 

It  is  with  emotions  of  joy  that  I  now  turn  my 
face  homeward  to  mingle  with  family  and  friends 
after  an  absence  of  seven  months,  again  to  enjoy 
the  comforts  of  home,  —  a  name  which  charms  the 
soul. 

At  the  end  of  such  a  long  journey,  and  at  the 
close  of  so  great  an  undertaking  as  I  have  been 
engaged  in,  it  is  wise  and  profitable  to  take  a 
retrospective  view  of  the  ground  travelled  over, 
and  carefully  note  the  result  of  the  effort  put 
forth. 

When    I    started,   July    18,    1889,  with   the    first 


1568176 


IV  PREFACE. 

instalment  of  my  little  book,  entitled  "  Binding  of 
the  Links  :  a  Story  of  Forty  Years  in  Odd  Fellow- 
ship," it  was  on  a  venture.  But  my  first  years 
of  experience  in  the  Order  had  given  me  large 
confidence  in  my  fellow-men.  I  did  not  belong 
to  that  class  which  believes  that  all  men  are 
selfish.  My  experience  had  taught  me  that  there 
is  a  divinity  in  man  which  inspires  him  to  lofty 
purposes  and  honorable  action.  I  had  learned 
from  observation  that  the  good  have  an  affinity 
for  each  other,  and  that  such  associations  as  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  strengthen 
this  affinity.  With  such  views  I  had  courage  to 
start  on   my  mission. 

The  success  with  which  my  efforts  have  been 
crowned  has  begotten  within  me  a  desire  to 
engage  in  a  similar  work,  that  I  may  again  meet 
and  greet  many  of  the  thousands  of  kind  brothers 
and  friends  with  whom  I  had  walked  and  held 
pleasant    intercourse  along  the  way. 

Some  of  them  I  shall  never  meet  in  this  life. 
They  have  joined  their  brothers  and  friends  on 
the  other  shore.  There  will  be  others,  whose 
faces  and  names  are  unknown  to  me,  to  take  their 
places.  The  title  of  the  book  now  introduced  to 
your    notice    implies    its    true    character,  and  the 


PREFACE.  V 

narrative  sets  forth  in  a  familiar  way  some  thin 

which  will  awaken  in  your  memory  scenes  of  the 

past  and   events  which  transpired  under  your  own 

eye,  and  in  distant  lodges  and   communities  where 

you  have  kind  brothers  and  true  friends. 

I  am  not  a  stranger  to  you,  and  you  need  not 

be  informed  as   to    the   object   and   fitness   of  my 

visit  at  this  time.     With  these  few  lines  I   invite 

your  attention  to  what  appears  in  the  subsequent 

pages. 

C.  H.  K. 
Peak's  Island,  July,  1891. 


CONTENTS. 


Chapter  Page 

I.    Preparing  for  the  Journey i 

II.     Starting  on  the  Road 4 

III.  Lodges  Visited  in  Portland  ....        6 

IV.  All  on  Board 8 

Lewiston  and  Auburn  —  Rockland  —  Camden  — 
Belfast  —  Pittsfield  —  Bangor  —  Brewer. 

V.     On  to  the  Aroostook 18 

Oldtown —  Mapleton — Fort  Fairfield. 

VI.     Homeward  Bound 30 

Dexter  —  Newport  —  Waterville  —  Fairfield  — 
Oakland. 

VII.    Making  the  Circuit 38 

Woodford  Corner  —  Cumberland  Mills  —  Sacca- 
rappa  —  West  Buxton  Village  —  South  Waterboro'  — 
Spring  Vale  — Great  Falls,  N.H.  —  Old  Berwick  — 
South  Berwick  Village  —  North  Berwick  —  Kennebunk 
—  Biddeford  and  Saco  —  Old  Orchard  Beach. 

VIII.    Among  the  Spindles  and  Farms    ....      53 
Lisbon  Falls  —  Lisbon  —  Farmington  —  Livermore 
Falls  —  North  Yarmouth  —  Cumberland  Centre. 
IX.    Over  the  Grand  Trunk  Road       ....      59 
Mechanic  Falls  —  Canton  —  South  Paris  —  Norway. 

X.    The  Old  Bay  State 63 

Salem  —  Peabody  —  Beverly  —  Lynn. 

XI.     "The  Hub" 71 

Charlestown  —  South  Boston  —  East  Boston  — 
Historic  Cambridge  —  Cambridgeport  —  Roxbury  — 
Dorchester  —  Neponset  —  Brighton  —  Jamaica  Plain. 


Vlll 


CONTENTS. 


Chapter 

XII.    Suburban  Lodges  Visited 

Somerville  —  West  Somerville  —  East  Somerville 

—  Newton  Centre  —  West  Newton  —  Newton  High- 
lands —  Maiden  —  Watertown  —  Everett  —  Waltham 

—  Quincy  —  Milford  —  South  Framingham. 

XIII.  Return  to  Maine 

Bath  —  Brunswick  —  Augusta  —  Norridgewock  — 
Skowhegan  —  Gardiner  —  Ilallowell  —  Richmond. 

XIV.  Along  the  Rock-Bound  Coast    .  • 

Bar  Harbor  —  Ellsworth  —  Winthrop. 

XV.    Visit  to  the  Fatherland 

Eastport  —  Dennysville  —  Pembroke  —  Calais  — 
St.  Stephen's,  N.B.  —  St.  John,  N.B.  —  Peak's 
Island,  Me.  — Bridgeton —  Harrison. 

XVI.    A  Long  Road  to  Travel 

Dover,  N.H.  —  Manchester  —  Haverhill,  Mass.  — 
Lowell  —  Lawrence  —  Worcester  —  Westboio'  — 
Marlboro'  —  Leominster  —  Fitchburg  —  Clinton  — 
Millbury  —  Spencer  —  Warren  —  Palmer  —  Spring- 
field —  Chicopee  —  Westfield. 

XVII.     Little  Rhody,  and  Homeward  Bound 

Providence,  R.I.  —  Pawtucket  —  Taunton,  Mass. 

—  Attleboro'  —  North   Attleboro'  —  Foxboro'  — 
Walpole  —  Franklin  —  Canton  —  Hyde  Park. 

XVIII.    Nearing  the  Last  Milestone      . 

Arlington  —  Medford  —  Melrose  —  Reading  — 
Wakefield  —  Stoneham  —  Woburn  —  Natick  — 
Brockton  —  Stoughton  —  South  Braintree  —  South 
Weymouth  —  Whitman  —  Abington —  Rockland  — 
Hanover  —  Bridgewater —  Randolph  —  Wayland  — 
Hudson  —  Chftondale  —  Newburyport  — Amesbury 

—  Merrimack —  Georgetown  —  South  Portland,  Me. 

—  Willard. 


Page 
95 


116 


129 


133 


149 


174 


192 


ON  THE   ROAD. 


Chapter   I. 
PREPARING   FOR  THE   JOURNEY. 

"  Man's  is  a  weary  pilgrimage, 

As  through  this  world  he  wends; 
In  every  age,  from  stage  to  stage, 
Still  discontent  attends." 

The  journey  of  man  through  life  may  be  a  long 
or  short  one,  according  to  the  number  of  years  he 
is  permitted  to  remain  on  the  earth. 

If  he  should  live  out  the  "days  of  our  years," 
threescore  years  and  ten,  the  journey  will  be  a 
long  one,  and  the  traveller  must  witness  many 
changes.  Many  of  the  changes  will  be  pleasant 
and  profitable,  bringing  joy  to  the  soul  and  com- 
fort to  the  body:  others  will  be  fraught  with  dis- 
appointment, loss,  and  suffering. 

To  start  out  on  a  long  journey  in  a  strange 
country  without  first  consulting  a  chart  or  follow- 
ing the  leadings  of  a  competent  guide  would  de- 
note a  lack  of  good  judgment. 

The  possession  of  three  essentials  is  necessary 
to  insure  success  in  life ;  viz.,  correct  judgment, 
confidence,  and  energy. 


2  ON   THE   ROAD. 

The  man  who  adopts  Davy  Crockett's  motto, 
"  Be  sure  you  are  right,  then  go  ahead,"  is  the 
man  who  will  succeed  in  his  purposes. 

To  the  mind  of  some  persons  whom  I  have  met 
and  conversed  with,  it  is  a  small  matter  to  write  a 
book  on  almost  any  subject,  and  quite  as  easy  for 
the  author  to  dispose  of  thousands  of  copies,  even 
at  a  small  cost. 

No  person  is  better  qualified  to  judge  of  what 
can  be  accomplished  by  personal  effort  than  the 
man  who  has  performed  the  work  himself;  and 
just  here  the  author  of  "  Binding  of  the  Links" 
has  a  few  words  to  say  concerning  his  experiences 
as  author,  publisher,  and  salesman  of  the  book, 
which  has  been  placed  in  the  hands  of  five  thou- 
sand persons,  mostly  members  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  residing  in  the  New  England 
States.  Whether  or  not  the  writer  evinced  good 
judgment  in  engaging  in  such  an  adventure,  —  for 
such  it  seemed  to  be  at  the  start,  —  the  thousands 
of  brothers  who  have  made  his  acquaintance  and 
perused  his  book  will  decide. 

The  author's  many  years  of  experience  in  life, 
and  a  fair  understanding  of  human  nature,  led  him 
to  believe  that  progressive  men,  intelligent  men, 
such  as  largely  compose  the  membership  of  our 
New  England  lodges,  would  be  interested  in  pe- 
rusing the  pages  of  a  book  bearing  the  significant 
title  of  "  Binding  of  the  Links,"  coming  from  the 
pen  of  one  who  had  seen  years  and  experienced 


PREPARING    FOR   THE   JOURNEY.  3 

many  solemn  changes.  With  such  prospects  be- 
fore me,  and  encouraged  by  the  hope  of  success, 
I  brought  into  action  all  the  energy  of  mind  and 
body  I  possessed  to  accomplish  the  desires  of  my 
soul. 

The  result  of  those  months  of  hard  physical 
labor  and  mental  fatigue  will  be  better  understood 
by  the  reader  as  he  follows  me  in  my  journey 
along  th°  devious  way. 


4  ON   THE    ROAD. 


Chapter  II. 
STARTING   ON   THE   ROAD. 

"  For  the  treasures  of  precious  worth 
We  must  patiently  dig  and  dive; 
For  the  places  we  long  to  fill 
We  must  push  and  struggle  and  strive ; 
And  always  and  everywhere 
We'll  find,  in  our  onward  course, 
Thorns  for  the  feet  and. trials  to  meet, 
And  a  difficult  river  to  cross." 

With  the  hearts  and  hands  of  brothers  every- 
where open  to  aid  me,  it  still  required  much  talk, 
physical  labor,  and  push  to  set  the  ball  in  motion. 

It  was  journeying  from  city  to  city,  from  town 
to  town,  encountering  difficulties,  overcoming  ob- 
stacles, being  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season  at 
lodge  meetings.  Notwithstanding  that  I  had  pre- 
viously travelled  over  a  large  portion  of  Maine, 
my  native  State,  and  had  many  friends  and  ac- 
quaintances, it  was  often  like  breaking  the  solid 
ice  to  introduce  myself  and  interest  the  brothers 
in  what  I  regarded  as  important  and  belonging  to 
the  work  of  Odd  Fellowship. 

There  were  always  some  in  every  lodge  and 
community  to  speak  quickly,  and  utter  in  a  few 
words  — their  acts  corresponding  therewith  —  more 
real  Odd  Fellowship  than  whole  hours'  loud  talk 


STARTING  ON  THE  ROAD.  5 

by  him  who  said,  "  '  I  go,  sir,'  and  went  not,"  but 
passed  by  on  the  other  side. 

There  are  hundreds  of  kind  brothers  and  friends 
whose  genial  faces  I  bear  in  memory.  Some  of 
them  seem  near  to  me  to-night  while  I  am  pen- 
ning these  lines.  It  was  their  encouraging  words 
and  deeds  of  kindness  that  lightened  the  ponder- 
ous burdens  that  weighed  heavily  upon  me,  and 
smoothed  the  rough  road  I  travelled. 

In  summing  up  the  result  of  my  varied  experi- 
ences in  the  light  of  pleasure  derived  and  success 
in  my  work  as  compared  with  the  hardships  en- 
dured and  losses  sustained,  the  measure  of  the 
former  overbalances  the  latter  many  hundred  fold, 
and  I  am  happy  in  the  thought  of  again  travelling 
the  same  and  other  new  roads,  even  if  I  must  en- 
counter greater  difficulties  along  the  way. 


ON   THE    ROAD. 


Chapter  III. 
LODGES  VISITED  IN  PORTLAND. 

"  We  meet  to-night  as  brothers  met 
In  days  of  long  ago, 
When  Friendship  was  akin  to  Love, 
For  Truth  had  made  it  so." 

It  was  on  a  bright  July  morning  in  1889  when 
I  stepped  on  board  the  steamer  "  Greenwood  "  at 
Peak's  Island  in 

PORTLAND    HARBOR, 

and  crossed  the  water  to  the  city,  where  I  was  to 
start  on  the  mission  which  I  had  been  preparing 
to  engage  in  months  before.  At  the  head  of 
Exchange  street  I  was  accosted  by  Brother  Charles 
Paine,  from  whose  press,  pages  of  "  Binding  of  the 
Links  "  had  been  issued  during  the  summer  months. 
He  informed  me  that  the  book  was  completed 
and  ready  for  my  hands.  The  city  papers  and 
many  interested  friends  had  advertised  its  coming, 
which  created  a  desire  among  the  members  of  the 
fraternity  to  know  its  contents. 

The  author  had  resided  in  the  city  eight  years, 
and  was  personally  known  in  the  surrounding 
towns.  The  history  of  his  experience  in  the 
Order  forty  years  was  familiar  to  many  of  them. 
The  younger  members  expected  to  derive  benefit 


LODGES   VISITED   IN    PORTLAND.  7 

by  a  knowledge  of  what  one  who  had  seen  years 
before  they  came  upon  the  stage  of  life  had  en- 
countered. 

Portland,  Maine,  was  then  and  continues  to  be 
the  head  centre  of  Odd  Fellowship  in  the  State, 
and  ranks  foremost  in  the  order  throughout  the 
New  England  States.  With  a  population  of  less 
than  forty  thousand,  it  has  seven  lodges,  with  a 
membership  of  2,784,  five  encampments  number- 
ing 1,580  members,  and  two  Rebekah  Degree 
lodges  with  a  large  and  rapidly  increasing  mem- 
bership. 

What  better  or  more  inviting  field  for  success- 
ful work  could  be  found  as  initiative  work  for 
the  author  of  a  book  dedicated  to  the  cause  of 
Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth,  the  three  corner- 
stones in  the  temple  of  Odd  Fellowship?  Brother 
Henry  C.  Bagley,  then  Grand  Master,  stood  at  the 
head  of  the  Order  in  Maine.  He  exemplified 
by  word  and  deed  the  sum  and  substance  of  Odd 
Fellowship.  To  Brother  Bagley  and  many  other 
kind  brothers  and  friends  I  am  indebted  for  the 
grand  success  I  had  in  the  sale  of  my  book  in  that 
city,  amounting  to  many  hundred  copies  in  a  few 
weeks. 

At  the  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  held  in 
Portland,  August,  1889,  there  was  a  large  attend- 
ance of  representatives,  who  greeted  me  with  kind 
words  and  forgot  not  the  "  Days  of  Auld  Lang 
Syne." 


8  ON  THE   ROAD. 


Chapter  IV. 

ALL  ON   BOARD. 

Brother  Reader:  I  now  invite  you  to  ac- 
company me  on  my  journey.  We  will  leave  the 
"Hub  City"  of  the  Pine  Tree  State  for  a  season. 
Our  route  is  over  the  Maine  Central  Railroad  to 

LEWISTON   AND   AUBURN, 

two  enterprising  manufacturing  cities,  separated 
by  the  Androscoggin  river.  We  must  board  the 
train  at  the  Union  Station,  the  finest  railroad 
station  in  New  England,  "  so  people  say "  and 
newspaper  men  write. 

The  rain  is  falling;  but  a  little  water  from  the 
clouds  won't  spoil  our  "  store  clothes  "  or  give  us 
the  grip. 

Ah,  see  !  We  have  made  the  journey  in  quick 
time.  It  is  just  10.30  o'clock.  Let  us  walk  down 
on  Main  street  and  enter  the  law  office.  Here  is 
my  friend,  A.  E.  Verrill,  a  young  member  of  the 
Androscoggin  bar.  He  just  donned  the  title,  of 
Past  Grand  in  Old  Androscoggin  Lodge.  This  is 
a  gala  day  with  the  people  of  the  cities.  There  is 
an  excursion  to  Fort  Popham  to  celebrate  the 
town  of  Durham.     We  will  remain  in  the   city  a 


ALL    ON    BOARD.  9 

few  days,  and  visit  the  lodges  on  both  sides  of 
the  river: — "  Abou  Ben  Adhem,"  and  the  old 
lodge  before  mentioned  in  Auburn,  "  Golden 
Rule,"  and  "  M.  and  M."  on  the  Lewiston  side. 

Let  us  call  round  and  say  "  good  morning  "  to 
Veteran  Past  Grand  Master  John  Read,  now  secre- 
tary of  the  "Odd  Fellows  Mutual  Relief  Associa- 
tion of  Maine."  Here  is  Brother  F.  W.  Brooks, 
at  the  drug  store  on  the  corner.  He  is  one  of  the 
old  stand-by  secretaries  in  Androscoggin  Lodge. 
And  there  is  Past  Grand  Master  Geo.  W.  Goss 
at  the  bank,  looking  for  us.  See  !  There  are  one 
hundred  and  twenty-seven  brothers,  members  of 
the  lodges  in  both  cities,  waiting  to  shake  hands 
and  examine  the  contents  of  my  grip  ;  so  we  must 
move  along  sprightly  and  answer  their  calls,  that 
we  may  catch  the  train  bound  for  Brunswick  en 
route  for  Bath  and  Rockland. 

"  No,  we  don't  wish  to  purchase  the  road  and 
all  the  rolling-stock."  These  words  were  spoken  to 
the  man  at  the  window  of  the  ticket  office  of  the 
Knox  &  Lincoln  Railroad  at  Bath. 

The  inter- State  laws  regulating  the  passenger 
tariff  have  not  affected  the  scale  of  rates  and  the 
charges,  which  are  somewhat  in  keeping  with  the 
rates  of  toll  over  a  certain  bridge  "  away  down 
East,"  where  the  toll-gatherer  offered  as  a  reason  for 
the  high  charges  that  "  teams  seldom  crossed  the 
bridge,  and  when  one  did,  the  amount  of  money  col- 
lected must  suffice  to  pay  his  full   month's  wages." 


IO  ON  THE    ROAD. 

After  riding  a  short  distance  along  the  water- 
front of  the  city,  we  cross  the  Pejepscot  river  on 
a  steam  ferry-boat,  of  sufficient  dimensions  to  ac- 
commodate two  passenger  cars  and  the  locomotive. 
The  man  who  secures  a  seat  at  the  start  is  a 
fortunate  fellow,  for  the  situation  of  the  victim, 
and  the  effect  upon  his  nicely  laundried  linen,  on 
this  hot  July  day,  is  as  efficacious  as  thirty 
minutes   in   a   sweat-box. 

Well,  we  have  got  safely  over  the  river,  and 
more  cars  are  hitched  on.  Away  we  go  at  a  fair 
rate  of  speed.  We  stop  along  the  route  at  Wis- 
casset,  Waldoboro,  Newcastle,  Damariscotta,  and 
Thomaston.  Here  is  the  State  institution  for  men 
and  women  who  "go  crooked." 

A  short  ride  onward,  and  we  arrive  at 

ROCKLAND, 

where  we  see  the  smoke  ascending  from  hundreds 
of  lime-kilns. 

The  Lindsey  House,  kept  by  mine  host  Hill, 
will  be  comfortable  quarters  for  the  night.  "  Will" 
is  one  of  the  chain-gang  fellows,  a  member  of 
Knox;  Lodge,  where  we  spend  the  evening. 

Whom  have  we  here  in  the  ante- room,  with  eyes 
wide  open  and  hands  extended  ?  It  is  my  brothers 
and  friends,  Ripley,  Colson,  Simpson,  Mason,  and 
a  score  of  others,  preparing  to  initiate  three  candi- 
dates into  the  mysteries  of  Odd  Fellowship.     They 


ALL    ON    BOARD.  u 

will  go  through  their  part  in  fine  style,  because 
they  are  interested  in  the  work  and  have  excellent 
facilities  for  executing  it. 

Brother  Oliver  Otis,  the  man  who  sells  his 
opinions  —  that  is,  the  Rockland  "Opinion"  news- 
paper for  five  cents  a  copy !  We  must  not  pass 
him  by  on  the  other  side  of  the  street.  Never 
mind  the  dust  —  it  comes  from  Mother  Earth. 

Brother  Otis  has  a  caller.  It  is  Past  Grand 
J.  H.  Sherman,  secretary  of  Mt.   Battie  Lodge  at 

CAMDEN. 

His  team  is  at  the  door,  ready  for  a  start  home- 
ward. Yes,  we  will  accept  his  kind  invitation  to 
take  a  seat  in  the  carriage  and  enjoy  a  pleasant 
drive  of  six  miles,  that  we  may  sit  among  the 
brothers  to-night. 

It  is  the  Ocean  House  where  we  make  our 
quarters.  The  lodge  hall  is  up  on  Main  street, 
in  a  large  new  brick  block.  There  is  no  work  or 
business  of  special  importance  to  occupy  the 
time,  and  the  Noble  Grand  gives  up  the  meeting 
to  the  desires  of  the  brothers.  The  time  passes 
pleasantly  in  speech-making  and  exchanging 
friendly    greetings. 

At  an  early  hour  of  morning  the  word  goes 
round,  "All  on  board  the  steamer  'Penobscot' 
for 


12  ON   THE    ROAD. 


BELFAST ! " 

vVhat  brings  so  large  a  number  of  people  on 
board?  They  are  going  to  Northport  to  the 
Methodist  camp-grounds.  It  is  the  biggest  day 
of  the  season  at  that  place. 

It  is  delightful  sailing  down  the  river  — every- 
body is  happy,  and  there  is  music  in  the  air. 
It  would  do  our  soul  and  body  good  to  go  on 
shore  and  join  the  multitude  in  the  exercises  of 
the  day,  and  rest  under  the  shade  of  those  beauti- 
ful trees.  But  we  must  continue  on  our  journey  to 
Belfast,  and  prepare  for  the  great  event  connected 
with  dedicating  the  Odd  Fellows'  magnificent 
hall.  Grand  Master  Kimball  and  suite  will  be 
present. 

See  !  We  are  nearing  the  landing.  Listen  to 
the  music  !  Who  are  all  those  in  showy  uniforms 
on  the  streets?  It  is  "Field  Day"  with  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  Uniformed  Rank  in  Maine. 
There  are  two  hundred  and  fifty  in  line.  They 
make  a  fine  display. 

To-night  Waldo  Lodge  holds  its  last  meeting 
in  the  old  hall,  where  an  exciting  drama,  almost 
tragical,  was  enacted  years  ago  ;  but  the  conflict 
ended  in  a  glorious  conquest  by  Waldo  Lodge 
over  the  disloyal  members  of  Belfast  Lodge. 
There  are  forty-six  members  present  to-night. 
The    third    degree    is    being    conferred    on    three 


AI.I.    ON    HOARD.  i  3 

candidates.  Grand  Master  R.  G.  Dyer  is  in  the 
van.  His  remarks  on  the  history  of  the  lodge, 
building  the  new  hall,  its  dedication,  and  the 
events  to  take  place  on  that  day,  are  full  of 
interest. 

It  is  Tuesday  morning,  September  3.  The 
sun  shines  brightly.  Brother  Dyer  invites  Grand 
Master  Kimball,  Grand  Secretary  Davis,  Grand 
Marshal  Pike,  Brother  Sale,  editor  of  the  "  Odd  Fel- 
lows' Register,"  the  reader,  and  myself  to  a  scat  on  a 
handsomely  upholstered  buckboard,  drawn  by  a 
span  of  cream-white  horses,  for  a  drive  about  the 
city  and  a  look  over  the  camp-grounds  at  North- 
port;  while  the  members  of  the  visiting  cantons, 
encampments,  and  lodges,  numbering  many 
hundreds,  are  forming  on  the  street  for  the 
general  parade.  They  make  a  fine  exhibition  in 
showy  uniforms  and  bright  jewels,  while  keeping 
step  to  the  inspiring  music  of  many  bands. 

We  must  make  haste,  or  it  will  be  impossible  to 
get  upon  the  floor  to  witness  the  dedicatory 
exercises  of  the  fine  large  hall,  for  there  is  such  a 
crowd  in  advance  of  us ;  but  we  can  hear  the 
words  spoken  by  the  grand  officers,  who  are 
rendering  the  service  in  a  very  impressive  manner. 

It  is  near  the  close  of  day;  the  great  event  has 
passed,  and  the  tired  and  hungry  boys  are  rush- 
ing into  the  Coliseum  building,  where  tables  are 
laid  for  seven  hundred  and  fifty  people.  The 
dinner  is  free  —  everybody  is  invited  to  partake, 


14  ON   THE   ROAD. 

The  committee  of  entertainment  say,  "  Go  out 
into  the  highways  and  hedges  and  compel  them 
to  come  in,  that  the  house  and  the  people  them- 
selves may  be  filled."  After  they  have  all  been 
satisfied,  there  are  more  than  twelve  baskctsful 
remaining. 

The  Eastern  Maine  State  Fair  is  drawing 
thousands  of  people  to  Bangor  to-day.  There 
is  a  jam  and  tumult  in  that  city.  We  will  keep 
away  until  Monday.     Let  us  go  on  to 

PITTSFIELD, 

and  stop  with  our  brother  and  friend,  Blackden. 
"  Owen  "  will  make  things  pleasant  and  comfort- 
able for  us  Sunday. 

Here  is  Brother  Knowles,  Noble  Grand  of 
Phlentoma  Lodge,  Dr.  E.  C.  Bryant,  Permanent 
Secretary,  with  Brothers  J.  W.  Webb  and  J.  A. 
Morrison,  standing  on  the  corner  of  the  street 
ready  to  greet  us.  The  town  and  the  people  are 
the  same  as  when  I  visited  the  place  months 
ago. 

Doctor  Dow,  of  Mapleton,  in  Aroostook  County, 
is  the  popular  clerk  at  the  hotel  this  season.  He 
will  escort  us  into  my  old  room,  "  No.  10." 
We  have  enjoyed  ourselves  grandly,  and  now  the 
Sabbath  day  is  drawing  to  a  close,  we  will  proceed 
on  our  journey. 

The  "  Herald  "  train  will  arrive    at   the   station 


ALL   ON   BOARD.  I  5 

in  a  few  moments.  Sec  !  The  cars  are  crowded 
with  people  going  to  the  Methodist  camp-grounds 
at  Etna.  There  is  hardly  standing-room.  "  Camp- 
grounds !  Camp-grounds  !  "  exclaims  the  con- 
ductor. Every  car  in  the  long  train  is  vacated. 
You  and  I,  dear  reader,  have  all  the  seats  to  our- 
selves. The  conductor  and  brakemen  vanish 
from  sight  to  keep  company  with  the  "  paper 
men "   in   the  baggage  car.     It   is   on  to 

BANGOR. 

Now  we  are  jumping  and  thumping  over'the  rails 
in  these  empty  cars,  stopping  now  and  again  to 
"  fire  out  "  bundles  of  "  Globes"  and  "  Heralds." 
Well,  we  ought  to  bless  our  stars  that  we  have 
reached  the  "  City  of  the  East "  without  broken 
bones.  "Hack!  Carriage!"  Here  are  four  public 
conveyances  in  waiting  to  give  We,  Us,  &  Co.  a 
second  edition  of  jolting  over  the  street  pavements. 
No,  thank  you ;  we  prefer  to  walk  to  the  Hathon 
House  in  Market  square.  "Lew"  is  the  caterer, 
as  usual,  and  there  will  be  no  lack  in  quantity  or 
quality  of  the  substantial  at  his  table. 

Bangor  is  an  Odd  Fellow  city.  There  are  three 
lodges,  —  Penobscot,  Oriental,  and  Bangor, — all 
having  a  large  membership,  and  prosperous. 

It  will  take  several  days  to  "  do  the  town."  I 
have  scores  of  good  brothers  and  friends  here 
whom  I  shall  be  pleased  to  introduce  you  to.     The 


16  ON   THE    ROAD. 

first  on  the  list  is  our  Veteran  Past  Grand  A.  N. 
Yeaton,  then  Past  Grand  Phincas  Batchelder. 
Bangor  was  formerly  the  home  of  Past  Grand 
Master  N.  II.  Colton,  now  residing  at  Orono. 
Let  us  take  a  walk  over  the  Kenduskeag  bridge  to 
the  east  side,  and  drop  into  the  barber's  shop, 
"  Number  3,"  where  Brother  Packard  is  the  knight 
of  the  razor.  "John"  will  have  a  story  to  tell 
about  the  "  salve,"  and  will  call  in  the  boys  for  a 
general  hand-shaking.  He  is  science  in  giving  a 
clean  shave. 

There  is  Past  Grand  John  E.  Booth.  Why 
comes  he  here?  He  is  not  Booth  the  tragedian, 
but  the  man  who  makes  moccasins. 

We  are  ordered  to  stand  and  deliver  up  the  con- 
tents of  my  grip,  by  a  company  of  odd-looking 
fellows.  Among  them  I  see  Henry  B.  Thorns, 
Leslie  Kellen,  "  Cal  "  Jones,  John  Mitchell,  O.  D. 
Maddocks,  and  a  host  of  others.  If  the  situation 
becomes  too  hot  for  us,  we  will  move  out  and  seek 
refuge  in  Brother  A.  A.  Nickerson's  store,  down  on 
Exchange  street.  He  can  muster  a  small  regi- 
ment who  are  plotting  evil  against  helpless  travellers 
on  their  way  from  J.  to  J.  Here  we  are  near 
the  ferry-landing.  Let  us  step  on  board  the 
"  Bon  Ton "  and  cross  over  the  river  to  the 
maiden    city    of 

BREWER. 
Are  you  tired  by  climbing  the  steep  hill?    If  so,  we 


ALL   ON   BOARD.  \y 

will  step  into  the  barber's  shop  near  by,  rest  awhile, 
and  have  a  chat  with  Brother  George  \Y.  Mackay. 
George  is  full  of  Odd  Fellowship,  and  can  post  us 
on  all  matters  concerning  the  Order  in  these  parts. 
Wildey  Lodge  meets  to-night.  We  must  be  on 
hand  promptly  at  seven  o'clock.  The  motto  of  the 
members  is : 

"  Early  to  bed  and  early  to  rise 
Makes  a  man  healthy,  wealthy,  and  wise." 

Russell  W.  Currier  is  Noble  Grand.  Exactly  on  the 
dot  his  gavel  calls  the  twenty-one  members  to  order, 
and  business  is  dispatched  with  little  delay.  The 
hall  has  been  newly  fitted  up  and  furnished  since 
my  last  visit,  three  years  ago.  It  is  now  a  neat, 
cosey  home  for  Brothers  Nickerson,  Libby,  Brown, 
Farnham,  Packard,  Tufts,  Banks,  Burr,  and  others 
of  the  working  members  who  are  constant  attend- 
ants at  the  weekly  meetings.  It  is  8. 30  o'clock, 
and  the  business  of  the  lodge  is  finished.  The 
guardian  has  performed  the  last  duty  of  his  office, 
and  the  brothers  depart  in  peace. 


I  8  ON   THE   ROAD. 


Chapter  V. 
ON  TO  THE  AROOSTOOK. 

It  is  Friday  morning.  The  trains  are  bringing 
large  numbers  of  people  from  the  State  Fair  held 
in  Lewiston  the  past  week.  Some  of  the  excursion- 
ists are  singing  "  Oh  !  be  joyful !  "  and  "  We  won't 
go  home  till  morning  !  "  "  No,  I'll  be  blowed  if  I 
go  home  on  this  morning  train,"  says  a  fellow  over 
there.  "  I'm  bound  to  sell  my  ticket,  and  raise  a 
dollar  for  a  good  time  with  my  friends."  Now  is  a 
chance  for  a  small  speculation.  Let  us  see  what 
he  has.  "Look  here,  Mister!  Let  us  see  your 
ticket.  Ha!  ha!"  "It  is  for  Presque  Isle, 
away  up  in  the  Aroostook,"  he  says.  "  Reg'lar 
price,  seven  dollars.  Will  sell  it  for  one  fifty  ;  but 
you'll  have  to  put  it  through  by  daylight  to  get 
there  before  twelve  o'clock  Saturday  night,  or  it's 
no  good." 

Well,  do  you  believe  the  blowed  bacchanalian 
has  sold  me  his  ticket  for  one  dollar  fifty,  good  for 
a  ride  to  Presque  Isle,  over  ninety  miles? 

We  must  leave  on  the  four  o'clock  train  and  stop 

over  at 

OLDTOWN 

on   the   Maine    Central  Railroad.     It   has  been  a 
pleasant  ride,  and  we  are  in  the  town  before  dark. 


ON   TO   THE   AROOSTOOK.  19 

Ah  !  There  is  Past  Grand  Master  E.  W.  Conant 
passing  by.  He  sees  us ;  he  comes  this  way  ;  lie 
is  here.  "  Brother  Conant,  can  you  direct  us  to 
an  inn,  a  place  of  rest  and  safety  for  the  night?  " 
He  invites  ns  to  a  scat  in  his  carriage. 

Have  we  come  so  quickly?  "Here  is  an  inn, 
brothers."  Surely  the  grounds,  the  trees,  the  hall, 
are  familiar  to  my  eyes.  Brother  Conant  is  point- 
ing. 

He  says,  "  The  door  is  open  :  enter,  my  brothers. 
My  house  is  your  home  —  enjoy  its  attractions  and 
its  comforts.  Mrs.  Conant  is  a  Rebekah.  She  will 
entertain  you  for  a  while.    Please  excuse  me." 

Now  that  we  have  been  refreshed  by  an  enjoy- 
able supper  we  will  accompany  our  good  brother  to 
Tarratine  Lodge.  It  occupies  a  fine  new  hall  on 
the  main  street,  built  a  few  years  ago  and  publicly 
dedicated.  It  is  a  profitable  investment  of  money, 
and  reflects  great  credit  upon  the  projectors. 

The  hour  of  lodge  meeting  is  seven  o'clock  the 
year  round,  so  that  the  aged  and  infirm  brothers 
may  attend,  as  well  as  the  younger  members. 
There  is  no  work  or  business  of  special  impor- 
tance before  the  lodge  to-night ;  but  the  brothers 
are  ready  to  fill  up  the  time  with  interesting  talk 
and  friendly  greetings. 

I  recall  the  faces  of  Brothers  Noyes,  Snow,  Na- 
son,  Swan,  Emerson,  Walker,  Spofford,  McCars- 
land,  and  others,  whom  I  used  to  meet  in  the  old 
hall  on  the  hill. 


20  ON   THE   ROAD. 

It  is  Saturday  morning.  The  sky  betokens 
rain.  Brother  Conant  is  tapping  gently  on  our 
door.  He  says,  "Breakfast is  ready."  Six  o'clock 
is  not  an  early  hour  for  travelling  men  to  break- 
fast, when  the  train  starts  at  6.30  on  an  all-day 
journey. 

It  is  not  pleasant  parting  with  kind  friends  in 
this  hurried  manner ;  but  time  and  railroad  con- 
ductors wait  for  no  man.  On  we  go  at  a  moder- 
ate rate  of  speed.  There  is  little  of  interest  along 
the  way  to  attract  the  eye  of  the   traveller. 

We  are  nearing  Vanceborough,  the  boundary- 
line  station  between  Maine  and  New  Brunswick. 
Here  Her  Majesty's  custom  officials  will  demand 
an  examination  of  all  baggage  going  through  her 
territory. 

How  is  this?  Our  baggage  is  not  among  the  lot. 
We  hold  the  checks,  but  the  careless  baggage- 
master  at  Oldtown  has  neglected  to  put  the  grips 
on  board  the  train.  Telegraph  back !  Sue  the 
railroad  company  for  damages  !  That  will  be  no 
use.  A  few  books  and  a  box  of  collars  are  of 
little  account.  But  no  train  will  leave  Oldtown 
to  arrive  in  Presque  Isle  before  Monday  noon. 
How  dreadful !  No  changes  over  Sunday.  Well, 
there  is  one  consolation  —  the  custom-house  offi- 
cers can't  inspect  our  baggage  this  trip. 

Well,  here  we  start  again.  Who  is  that  portly 
gentleman  two  seats  ahead?  It  is  Dr.  Hathaway, 
of  Presque  Isle.     He  is  enjoying  a  hearty  laugh. 


ON   TO   THE   AROOSTOOK.  21 

I  will  speak  a  word  in  his  ear,  and  see  if  he 
catches  the  meaning.  "  Yes,"  he  says,  "  I'm  one  of 
'em,  and  there  are  others  on  board  the  train 
bound  by  the  links."  We  shall  soon  get  a  sight  of 
fine  scenery  along  the  Aroostook  river,  cross  nu- 
merous bridges,  and  pass  "  the  falls." 

It  has  been  a  long,  tedious  journey;  but  we  are 
now  at  the  station.  The  doctor's  offer  is  a  most 
generous  one.  He  says  if  we  will  hold  his 
little  daughter  on  our  knees  while  he  drives  the 
horse  we  may  ride  to  the  village,  where  com- 
fortable quarters  will  be  provided  for  the  night, 
and  on  Sunday  morning  he  will  convey  us  six 
miles,  to  the  home  of  my  friend,  Capt.  S.  C.  F. 
Smith. 

It  has  been  a  pleasure  to  hold  the  child,  ride  in 
the  easy  carriage,  and  see  the  sights  along  the 
way  —  all  new  and  of  interest  to  us  ;  and  now  we 
are  at  the  doctor's  house,  enjoying  the  hospitalities 
of  his  courteous  family.  We  will  take  a  walk  on 
the  street.  It  is  early  in  the  evening.  Perhaps  we 
may  find  some  brothers  of  the  mystic  tie. 

We  have  actually  set  our  feet  upon  the  "  garden 
spot"  of  Maine.  The  village  has  a  citified  look: 
electric-lights,  opera  house,  large  wood  and 
brick  blocks,  and  people  everywhere  interested 
and  active  in  prosecuting  the  vocations  of  their 
choice. 

We  cannot  know  unless  we  ask  for  information, 
so  we  will  step  into  this  "  five  and  ten  cent  store," 


22  ON    THE    ROAD. 

and  see  if  there  are  any  signs  exhibited  whereby 
we  may  know  a  brother.  Yes,  there  are  the 
three  links  on  the  proprietor's  vest.  It  is  Brother 
C.  P.  Purrington.  How  quickly  and  cordially  he 
shakes  our  hands !  Mr.  C.  E.  Humphries  and 
C.  O.  Perry,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street, 
are  also  members  of  the  order.  They  say,  "The 
woods  are  full  of 'em." 

We  will  now  retire  for  the  night.  Doctors  are 
expected  to  make  professional  calls  on  Sunday 
as  well  as  on  other  days,  when  people  requi/e 
their  services. 

Four   miles   on   the   road  to 

MAPLETON 

to  visit  the  sick  and  relieve  the  distressed  is  "  a 
Sabbath  day's  journey,"  to  be  sure.  But  the  Good 
Samaritan  is  commanded  to  perform  humane  deeds 
at  all  times.  With  a  veteran  brother  in  charge, 
who  has  seen  years  and  experienced  many  changes, 
and  the  brother  who  has  accompanied  him  on 
his  journey  thus  far,  it  will  not  be  an  act  of  cour- 
tesy on  the  part  of  the  doctor  to  drop  us  both 
by  the  roadside,  —  when  we  are  so  near  to 
Captain  Smith's  house,  —  and  return  to  the  vil- 
lage, leaving  us  strangers  to  tread  the  rough  way 
alone,  without  a  guide.  We  have  nothing  to  fear 
in  that  direction. 

I  can  see  from  this  hill  a  neat  white  house  over 


ON   TO   THE   AROOSTOOK.  23 

in  the  field  beyond  the  store.  "  Doctor,  I  will 
venture  a  guess  that  that  is  the  captain's  home." 
"  You  have  hit  it  right  the  first  time,  major. 
That  is  where  the  captain  lives.  He  is  standing 
in  the  front  door."  "  You  call  me  '  major  '  —  I'm 
no  military  character,  although  I  have  scaled  the 
walls  of  Jericho." 

Ah,  Stephen,  my  old  friend  !  We  meet  once 
more,  after  a  separation  of  nearly  twenty-five 
years.  This  meeting  carries  our  memories  back 
to  the  days  when  the  boys  in  blue  went  march- 
ing forward  to  the  scenes  of  battle  on  Southern 
soil.  You  were  among  the  brave  who  dared  to 
do  and  suffer  for  your  country's  good.  You  are 
my  brother,  not  of  the  triple  links,  but  almost  of 
kin — one  of  the  dear  friends  I  love  so  well. 

There  is  no  lodge  of  Odd  Fellows  at  Maple- 
ton  ;  but  we  shall  meet  a  number  of  brothers  who 
are  members  of  the  order  at  Presque  Isle,  Houl- 
ton,  Fort  Fairfield,  Patten,  Caribou,  and  Wash- 
burn. 

It  will  be  a  good  plan  to  get  the  boys  all  to- 
gether and  hold  a  social  meeting.  We  will  elect 
Brother  Edwin  A.  Smith,  President;  Albert  Ball, 
Vice-President ;  Charles  Hughs,  Secretary  ;  Oliver 
P.  Smith,  Treasurer;  Brothers  Ingreham,  Carr, 
Twist,  Dudley,  and  Jackson  a  Committee  on 
Good  and  Welfare.  The  place  for  holding  the 
meeting  will  be  in  Captain  Smith's  store,  on  some 
rainy  evening.     It  will  be  a  public  meeting.     The 


24  ON  THE   ROAD. 

captain  and  his  son  may  be  present.  "  Rex  "  will 
be  appointed  door-keeper.  The  question  for  dis- 
cussion will  be  on  growing  potatoes  and  grain, 
making  starch,  raising  stock,  horses,  and  neat 
cattle,  and  shaving  shingles.  All  these  matters 
have  a  direct  bearing  on  the  existence  and  main- 
tenance of  Odd  Fellow  lodges  in  Aroostook 
County;  for  without  them  there  would  be  no 
material   for   making   lodges. 

Having  accomplished  our  purposes  in  this 
town,  we  must  cover  the  ground  that  we  travelled 
one  week  ago,  and  return  to  Presque  Isle  and 
spend  the  evening  with  the  brothers  of  the  lodge' 
that  bears  the  name  of  the  village.  The  hall  is 
over  Brother  N.  J.  Johnson's  harness-shop.  There 
is  a  good  attendance  to-night.  Some  of  the 
brothers  have  come  six  miles  to  enjoy  the  meet- 
ing. Here  is  Brother  Joshua  K.  Damon.  Long 
years  ago  he  and  I  were  schoolmates  in  a  small 
village  in  the  eastern  section  of  Maine ;  and  here 
also  is  Brother  Howard  M.  Dorman,  a  native  of 
Machias,  Maine,  in  the  same  county,  a  son  of  the 
late  D.  W.  Dorman,  for  many  years  Registrar  of 
Deeds. 

Brother  Reader,  do  you  see  any  names  among 
the  members  present  that  are  familiar  to  you  ? : — 
W.  S.  Kimball,  J.  J.  Howes,  W.  C.  Smith,  George 
P.  Dennett,  J.  A.  Frazier,  Alden  Chandler,  Will- 
iam Brown.  This  has  been  a  very  enjoyable 
meeting.     We    will    now   go    with    Brother    N.  J. 


ON   TO    THE    AROOSTOOK.  2$ 

Johnson  and  spend  the  night  at  his  home.  Satur- 
day we  will  view  the  town  and  note  all  points  of 
interest.  The  day  is  waning.  We  have  traversed 
a  large  territory  and  conversed  with  many  people. 

We  are  now  ready  .to  accompany  Brother 
Damon  to  his  home,  a  little  way  out  of  the  vil- 
lage, to  spend  the  night. 

It  is  Sunday  morning,  bright  and  beautiful. 
We  can  enjoy  the  out-of-door  air,  and  be  enter- 
tained by  the  young  Misses  Damon  with  their 
music  and    singing. 

It  is  in  keeping  with  the  sacred  day  to  visit  the 
last  resting-place  of  those  whom  we  have  known 
and  been  associated  with  on  life's  journey.  Here 
is  a  conspicuous  white  marble  column  within  this 
enclosure,  bearing  a  quaint  inscription.  I  will 
read  it.  The  letters  were  cut  upon  the  stone 
under  the  eye  of  the  man  whose  name  stands  at 
the  head.       It  is  characteristic  of  the  old  editor. 

It  reads:  "Daniel  Stickney.  Born  Nov.  25, 
1804.  Until  18  years  of  age,  a  farmer's  boy,  25 
years  a  mechanic  and  teacher  of  common  schools, 
25  years  a  lay  preacher  of  the  gospel  as  taught 
by  David  in  XXIII  psalm,  by  Jesus  Christ  in  his 
Sermon  on  the  Mount,  by  Paul  upon  Mars  Hill 
to  the  Athenians,  and  in  the  XII  chapter  of 
Romans.  For  half  a  century  a  newspaper  writer, 
and  for  14  years  proprietor  and  editor  of  the 
Prcsquc  Isle  Sunrise.  A  Republican  from  his 
earliest  recollection  to   the  day  of  his   death." 


26  ON   THE    ROAD. 

I  read  on  the  headstones  the  names  of  others 
whom  I  have  met  at  pleasant  reunions  of  the 
"  Maine  Editors'  and  Publishers'  Association." 
But  we  can  tarry  no  longer.  The  chilly  north 
wind  reminds  us  that  the  days  are  nearing  the 
season  of  frosts,  when  thick  wraps  and  mittens  will 
be  comfortable. 

It  is  Monday  afternoon.  Brother  Damon  is  at 
the  door  with  his  fine  turnout  —  black  stallion 
"Mohock"  and  top  buggy.  We  are  to  give  the 
members  of  Aroostook  Valley  Lodge  at  Caribou 
a  surprise  to-night.  Quite  a  delegation  from 
Presque  Isle  Lodge  will  start  at  a  later  hour  and 
meet  us  at  the  hall.  The  way  is  pleasant,  and  let 
us  hope  that  our  journey  will  be  safe.  We  have 
a  twelve-mile  drive  over  a  beautiful  section  of  the 
country.  Cast  your  eye  over  the  extensive  land- 
scape. There  are  no  waste  or  uncultivated  lands 
on  either  side  of  the  highway.  Green  fields  and 
large,  tidy  farm-houses  occupy  the  broad  acres. 
The  soil  is  free  from  stones,  light,  and  easily 
worked.  These  are  some  of  the  homes  of  the 
early  settlers.  They  show  what  industry  and 
frugality  have  brought  to  the  pioneers  in  the 
wilds  of  northern   Maine. 

But  see !  We  are  entering  the  village.  The 
hands  of  the  clock  on  the  church  point  to  4.30. 
Mohock  has  performed  the  journey  quickly. 

Here  is  the  Vaughn  House,  a  place  of  entertain- 
ment for  weary  travellers.      Let  us  enter  and  take 


ON   TO   THE   AROOSTOOK.  27 

some  refreshment.  Here  is  Hon.  H.  M.  Heath, 
of  Augusta,  a  member  of  the  Kennebec  bar,  for- 
merly principal  of  Washington  Academy  at  Ease 
Machias.  He  is  here  on  business  connected  with 
the  Water  Power  Company. 

We  will  now  accompany  Brother  Damon  to  Odd 
Fellows  Hall.  Both  the  Noble  and  Vice  Grands 
are  on  the  sick  list,  and  Past  Grand  P.  S.  Goud  is 
master  of  the  gavel  to-night.  The  brother  at  my 
right  is  Past  Grand  T.  W.  Willis.  He  was  a  con- 
stant and  interesting  correspondent  of  the  "Odd 
Fellows'  Register"  years  ago,  when  I  published  the 
paper.  The  attendance  is  small,  owing  to  the 
sickness  of  the  officers,  and  because  there  is  no 
business  of  importance  to  attend  to. 

We  are  invited  to  spend  the  night  with  Brother 
Goud.     His  house  is  up  the  street  a  little  way. 

Brother  N.  L.  Johnson,  a  twofold  brother  of 
N.  A.  Johnson  at  Presque  Isle,  desires  us  to  call 
at  his  store  in  the  morning,  that  he  may  "  show  us 
the  sights  "  about  town. 

The  team  is  now  in  waiting  at  the  door.  We 
ascend  this  hill,  one  and  three-fourths  miles. 
Here  is  the  stand-pipe.  The  water  is  brought 
one  hundred  and  eighty  feet  from  the  river,  where 
a  dam  is  being  constructed  at  a  cost  of  $30,000. 
The  business  centre  of  the  village  lies  between  two 
high  hills.  The  river  between  them  is  spanned 
by  a  bridge.  Along  the  banks  of  the  river  the 
caribou    herded    in    the  days  when  the    red  man 


28  ON   THE    ROAD. 

possessed  the  northern  forests.  Now  how 
changed  the  scene  !  Where  once  stood  the  tall 
pines  in  an  unbroken  wilderness  inhabited  by 
Indians  and  wild  beasts,  appears  a  thrifty  village, 
with  thousands  of  inhabitants.  Business  in  stores, 
shops,  mills,  and  factories  is  booming;  school- 
houses  and  churches  are  numerous ;  religious  and 
educational  institutions  are  ably  supported ;  social 
and  fraternal  organizations  contribute  their  part 
toward  elevating  and  blessing  mankind. 
The  train  for 

FORT    FAIRFIELD 

leaves  at  2.25.  We  have  little  time  before  our 
walk  to  Brother  Johnson's  house  for  dinner. 

Ah!  Here  I  see  Nicholas  Fessenden,  Esq., 
Clerk  of  the  Maine  House  of  Representatives 
and  Grand  Warden  of  the  Grand  Lodge  I.O.O.F. 
He  is  en  route  for  "  The  Fort."  We  will  follow  in 
his  wake. 

It  is  the  meeting  night  of  Pioneer  Lodge. 
"  Professor"  Scates,  C.  E.  Dinsmore,  E.  L. 
Houghton,  B.  F.  Durgin,  F.  L.  McDonald,  and 
other  active  members  of  the  order,  are  on  the  cor- 
ner looking  for  us.  They  are  curious  to  know 
who  the  "squire"  has  in  charge.  When  they 
learn  that  it  is  a  Past  Grand  who  has  served  his 
time  forty  years  as  such,  they  take  council  to- 
gether, and  decide  that  the  best  thing  to  do  is  to 


ON   TO   THE   AROOSTOOK.  29 

conduct  him  to  the  inn,  where  the  door  is  open. 
The  brother,  no  longer  a  stranger,  is  invited  to 
enter.  They  speak  a  word  to  the  host,  saying, 
"  Take  care  of  him,  and  whatsoever  you  expend 
for  his  comfort  we  will  recompense  you  therefor." 
Such,  kind  reader,  is  the  story  of  the  Good  Sa- 
maritan in  Aroostook  County,  Maine. 


30  ON  THE   ROAD. 


Chapter  VI. 

HOMEWARD   BOUND. 

It  is  Wednesday  morning,  September  25. 
"  Up  !  Up  !  Breakfast  is  ready."  It  is  five  o'clock. 
We  must  "  hustle "  to  eat  our  breakfast  and 
reach  the  station,  for  the  train  leaves  in  forty 
minutes.  "  All  aboard  !  "  We  have  Mr.  Carlisle, 
of  Somerville,  Mass,,  for  our  companion  on  the 
road.  There  is  a  jovial  party  on  board.  We  are 
moving  at  "  slow  coach  "  speed.  "  Five  minutes 
for  refreshments  at  Newburgh  Junction."  Mr. 
Carlisle  isn't  going  to  "  get  left."  He  has  brought 
his  cup  of  coffee,  sandwich,  and  doughnuts  along 
with  him  from  the  table.  "  Had  just  time  to 
step  on  board  as  the  train  moved  away  from 
the  platform."  We  have  had  lots  of  fun  all  the 
way  on  the  long,  tedious  journey.  We  are  thank- 
ful that  we  have  arrived  safely  in  Bangor.  We 
will  now  move  on  to 

DEXTER. 

Let  us  stop  a  few  moments  at  the  station  and 
chat  with  Brother  E.  J.  Sturtevant,  "  Sam  "  Ham- 
ilton, Dexter  Nason,  and  some  of  the  other 
"  boys,"  before   going   up   into  the  village. 


HOMEWARD    BOUND.  31 

Plymouth  Lodge  meets  on  Tuesday  evening. 
We  cannot  remain  in  the  town  four  days.  We 
will  look  up  the  brothers  on  the  streets,  in  their 
places  of  business,  take  a  stroll  down  by  the 
"Stone  Mill,"  the  "Brick  Mill,"  and  among  the 
other  manufacturing  establishments.  Dexter  is  a 
stirring  business  town,  furnishing  employment  to 
hundreds  of  men  and   women. 

Here  is  my  old  brother  and  friend,  Past  Grand 
O.  W.  Bridges.  Dr.  C.  H.  Haynes  is  in  his  dental 
rooms.  He  may  be  able  to  divert  his  attention 
for  a  few  moments  from  the  critical  work  he  is 
engaged  in.  Moses,  of  whom  we  read  in  the 
Bible,  is  passing  this  way.  He  is  looking  very  meek 
and  good-natured.  There  are  Brothers  Roberts, 
King,  Harris,  Farrar,  and  others.  We  must  speak 
a  word  with  them  before  we  leave  town. 

Brother  E.  M.  Tibbetts,  the  undertaker,  has 
kindly  offered  us  a  seat  in  his  carriage  for  a  drive 
about  the  village.  Such  friendly  courtesies  are 
appreciated  by  me,  and  most  gladly  we  accept 
the  proffered  benefaction.  Now  we  get  a  grand 
view  of  the  picturesque  town  —  those  high  grounds 
sloping  toward  the  river,  with  beautiful  shade- 
trees  along  its  banks.  The  long  distance  from 
the  railroad  station  to  the  business  part  of  the 
town  is  an  "out;"  but  the  track  is  to  be  ex- 
tended next  season  farther  up  into  the  village. 
Then  a  branch  road  leading  to  Dover  and  Fox- 
croft  will  be   completed. 


32  ON    THE    ROAD. 

We  have  enjoyed  the  pleasant  drive  and  "  taken 
in  "  all  the  beauties  of  the  town.  We  will  now 
say  good-by  to  our  brothers  and  friends,  and 
return  over  the  road  we  came  this  morning  and 
stop  awhile  at 

NEWPORT. 

Well  do  I  remember  the  events  connected  with 
instituting  "Old  Hickory"  Lodge,  Number  104, 
on  the  afternoon  and  late  into  the  night  of  De- 
cember 7,  1883,  in  Masonic  Hall. 

We  have  to  wait  here  for  the  arrival  of  the 
train  from  Bangor  going  west.  We  cannot  oc- 
cupy the  time  more  pleasantly  than  by  calling 
round  and  interviewing  Brothers  Young,  Judkins, 
Wardwell,  Marsh,  Mitchell,  and  Bennett.  Most 
of  them  are  employees  of  the  Maine  Central  Rail- 
road. 

It  is  nearing  the  hour  of  nine  o'clock.  The 
full,  bright  moon  eclipses  the  colored  lights  about 
the  station,  and  is  "  a  lamp  unto  our  feet  and  a  light 
unto  our  path." 

Hear  the  whistle  !  "  Newport !  Newport ! 
All  aboard  !  "      We   are  on  the  way  to 

WATERVILLE. 

Everything  about  the  not-many-years-ago  busy 
town,  now  a  booming  city,  appears  natural  to  my 
eye.       I    am    on    old,    familiar    ground,    among 


HOMEWARD    BOUND.  33 

brothers  and  friends  with  whom  I  have  passed 
many  enjoyable  hours.  We  must  not  quit  the 
place  for  a  number  of  days,  there  are  so  many 
hands  to  grasp,  so  much  to  see.  Let  us  walk 
down  on  Elm  street  and  enter  the  harness-shop. 
Here  is  Brother  Robbins.  "  Fred "  is  at  his  old 
business  with  needles  and  tools,  executing  fine 
work  on  leather  and  upholstery,  stopping  occa- 
sionally to  sound  a  note  on  his  "  Ai  "  cornet. 

It  is  at  Mrs.  Spencer's  house,  a  little  way  from 
Brother  Robbins's  shop,  we  find  pleasant  boarding 
accommodations.  It  has  been  my  stopping-place 
during  sundry  visits  to  the  city  in  years  past.  I 
"  never  go  back  on  old  friends." 

Our  best  plan  is  to  board  the  horse-cars  and  go 
two  miles  to 

FAIRFIELD 

village  this  afternoon,  that  we  may  spend  a  little 
time  with  brothers  and  friends  before  the  hour  of 
Fairfield  Lodge  meeting  to-night.  Here  is  our 
genial  friend  and  Veteran  Past  Grand,  John  R. 
Foss,  with  Past  Grand  Ruckliff  in  the  carpenter's 
shop  near  by.  "You  still  live"  are  the  words  of 
their  greeting. 

It  is  evening.  We  will  ascend  these  stairs  near 
the  entrance  of  the  post-office  in  Odd  Fellows 
Block.  It  is  the  same  hall  which  I  assisted  in 
dedicating  fifteen  years  ago,  and  where  I  have 
spent    many    an    enjoyable    evening    since    that 


34  ON   THE    ROAD. 

memorable  event.  Here  we  meet  once  more 
Brothers  Bradbury,  Kendall,  Blackwell,  Knowlton, 
Merrill,  —  good  old  Simeon,  — Perkins,  and  scores 
of  others,  who  are  always  at  their  post  of  duty, 
ready  and  willing  to  bear  aloft  the  banner  of 
Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth.  This  evening's 
proceedings  carry  my  mind  back  to  the  early 
days  of  my  acquaintance  with  the  brothers  of 
Fairfield  Lodge.  We  must  now'  separate  from 
our  kind  brothers  and  return  to  Waterville  on  the 
last  car.  Brother  H.  C.  Hight  and  Ed.  P.  Mayo, 
editor  of  the  "  Journal,"  we  will  call  upon  "  some 
other  day." 

What  is  going  on  in  Odd  Fellows  Block,  Water- 
ville, to-night?  It  is  Wednesday  evening.  Samar- 
itan Lodge  meets.  Here  are  many  of  the  same 
old  company  I  have  frequently  met  upon  similar 
occasions:  Brothers  S.  S.  Vose,  Chamberlain, 
Gilpatrick,  "Billy"  Smith,  Stewart,  W.  1.  and 
J.  L.  Towne,  William  True,  Henry  Williams, 
Davis,  and  Charley  Dyrample.  They  are  here  to 
exemplify  the  teachings  of  the  Bible  as  set  forth 
in  the  Gospel  of  St.  Luke,  loth  chapter,  30th 
verse :  "  A  certain  man  went  down  from  Jerusa- 
lem to  Jericho,  and  fell  among  thieves,  who 
stripped  him  of  his  raiment,  and  wounded  him, 
and  departed,  leaving  him  half  dead."  Samaritan 
is  the  name  of  this  lodge,  and  most  assuredly  the 
brothers  are,  or  should  be,  Good  Samaritans 
indeed  !      They   hear  and   heed   the    cry,  — 


HOMEWARD    BOUND.  35 

"  O  friends  and  brothers,  gliding  down  the  years, 
Humanity  is  calling  each  and  all, 
In  tender  accents  born  of  grief  and  tears  : 
I  pray  you  listen  to  the  tender  call ! 
You  cannot  in  j'our  seliish  pride 
Pass  guiltless  by  upon  the  other  side." 

Our  next  objective  point  is 

OAKLAND, 

for  many  years  West  Waterville,  eight  miles  from 
this  city,  on  the  line  of  the  Maine  Central  Railroad. 

Mr.  Crosby  Shorey,  the  veteran  livery-stable 
keeper,  has  kindly  offered  us  the  use  of  a  fine 
turnout  —  his  family  horse  "  Yankee  " —  for  a  drive 
over  to  Oakland  village.  Forty-five  years  ago 
Mr.  Shorey  was  a  contractor  for  carrying  the 
United  States  mails,  by  four-horse  post-coach, 
from  Machias  to  Eastport  and  Calais,  in  Washing- 
ton County,  Maine,  passing  daily  through  Dennys- 
ville,  my  native  village.  He  has  always  regarded 
me  with  kindly  feelings,  and,  in  token  of  his  con- 
tinued friendship,  has  conferred  this  generous 
favor  upon  us. 

We  will  drive  out  of  the  city  by  "  Crommett's 
Mills,"  and  make  our  first  stopping-place  at 
Benjamin  &  Allen's  shop.  Here  is  Brother 
E.  C.  Blackwell,  the  first  Noble  Grand  of  Anion 
Lodge,  instituted  Nov.  2,  1882.  Brother  Black- 
well  has  been  in  the  employ  of  Messrs.  Allen  & 
Co.    nearly    twenty    years.      He    was    one    of  the 


36  ON   THE    RCKD. 

earnest  workers  in  establishing  the  lodge  in 
this  village,  and  has  always  been  one  of  its  firm 
supporters. 

At  the  first  starting  the  lodge  rented  a  small 
hall  over  a  dwelling-house  on  the  main  street. 
The  rapid  increase  in  membership  made  necessary 
larger  and  better  quarters,  which  were  secured  by 
reconstructing  the  old  Masonic  Hall  in  the  brick 
block  nearly  opposite  the  Maine  Central  Railroad 
depot.  The  hall  is  fitted  up  in  fine  style  and 
neatly  furnished,  each  order  sharing  equally  the 
expense.  We  will  accompany  Brother  Blackvvell, 
and  take  a  survey  of  the  interior  of  the  hall.  It 
is  complete  in  all  its  appointments.  There  are  a 
number  of  axe  and  scythe  factories,  foundries, 
mills,  and  manufactories,  utilizing  the  excellent 
water-power  on  the  river,  and  furnishing  em- 
ployment to  hundreds  of  industrious  and  in- 
telligent men  who  compose  the  membership  of 
Amon  lodge.  We  shall  be  pleased  to  make  the 
acquaintance  of  some  of  them  to-day.  Brother 
S.  C.  Sawtelle  is  at  leisure,  and  offers  to  drive  us 
over  the  village  and  introduce  us  to  any  we  may 
chance  to  meet  by  the  way.  Here  are  Brothers 
Stevens,  Frost,  Pride,  Dustin,  McClure,  Fossett, 
Kellcy,  Lord,  Parker,  and  a  number  of  others. 

We  will  dine  and  rest  at  Brother  Sawtelle's  house, 
and  then  return  to  the  city.  We  are  just  in  time 
to  get  on  board  "  Jewett's  train,"  and  reach  my 
home  in  Portland  at  3.30  o'clock. 


\ 


HOMEWARD    BOUND.  37 

Brother  Reader,  you  have  kept  close  watch  of 
me  all  the  way  on  my  long  journey.  You  will 
now  permit  me  to  rest  a  few  clays  at  home.  Then 
we  will  take  a  new  start.  Exit  Reader  —  the  door 
closes. 


38  ON    THE    ROAD. 


Chapter  VII. 

MAKING    THE    CIRCUIT. 

OCTOBER  7,  1889.  I  have  enjoyed  a  few  days 
of  rest  among  my  friends,  and  am  now  ready  for 
our  other  pilgrimage.  I  invite  your  company, 
Brother  Reader.  We  will  step  on  board  the  horse- 
car  at  the  head  of  Preble  street,  Portland,  go  one 
mile  to  Deering,  and  stop  at 

WOODFORD    CORNER, 

where  we  meet  Brothers  Parkman,  Sawyer,  Hill, 
Lowell,  Mitchell,  Adams,  Benson,  and  others, 
who  are  working  this  evening  in  Fraternity  Lodge, 
instituted  March  26,  1886.  It  is  one  of  the 
active,  prosperous  lodges  in  the  State,  gaining  rap- 
idly in  membership.  There  are  a  large  number  of 
brothers  belonging  to  the  order  residing  in  Deer- 
ing, members  of  the  different  lodges  in  Portland, 
who  assist  the  new  lodge  in  many  ways.  The 
important  duties  of  innkeeper  were  performed  at 
various  times  during  the  first  months  of  the  lodge's 
existence  by  a  veteran  Past  Grand  of  forty  years. 
The  brothers  frequently  speak  of  "  his  way  of 
entertaining  weary  and  suffering  travellers."  „ 
We   must   board    the    Portland    and    Rochester 


Making  the  circuit.  39 

train  at  the  Woodford  station.     Brother  Parkman 
will  put  us  on  the  right  track,  and   Superintendent 
Peter's  pass    on  the   road    is   exempt  from    Con- 
ductor Clcaves's  puncher,  so  we  are  all  right. 
See  !  We  have  come  five  miles  to 

CUMBERLAND    MILLS. 

Here  are  S.  D.  Warren  &  Co.'s  paper-mills  —  "  the 
largest  in  the  world."  The  buildings  occupy  over 
seven  acres  of  ground.  The  company  employ 
some  eight  hundred  men  and  women  ;  the  monthly 
pay-roll  is  upwards  of  $30,000;  between  forty 
and  fifty  tons  of  finished  paper  are  shipped  daily. 
Mr.  J.  E.  Warren  is  superintendent  of  the  mills. 
Ammoncogin  Lodge  was  -instituted  in  this  vil- 
lage Feb.  5,  1 88 1.  Among  its  active  members  are 
Brothers  C.  W.  Mace,  E.  W.  Ayer,  A.  C.  Chute, 
'Dud"  T.  Swan,  C.  H.  Leighton,  C.  E.  Holt, 
W.  H.  Hammond,  C.  W.  Troy,  and  Edgar  A. 
Durell.  There  is  much  of  interest  connected 
with  the  village  and  lodge ;  but  we  have  no  time 
now  to  devote*  to  it,  but  must  proceed  on  one  mile 
to 

SACCARAPPA, 

a  stirring  village,  now  the  city  of  Westbrook. 
We  can  take  the  train  now  ready  to  start. 
We  are  hardly  seated  before  "  Saccarapp' !  "  is 
announced  by  the  conductor.      In    its  early   days 


40  ON   THE    ROAD. 

it  was  a  lumber  manufacturing  place.  There  are 
cotton,  woollen,  and  silk  mills  here,  iron  foundries, 
shoe  factories,  and  numerous  industries,  furnish- 
ing employment  for  men  and  women.  The  people 
belong  to  that  class  called  "  jinners,"  for  almost 
every  namable  secret  and  social  organization 
exists  in  the  village.  Among  them  is  Saccarappa 
Lodge  I.O.O.F.,  instituted  May  24,  1844.  It  is 
the  fourth  in  the  State,  having  held  its  charter 
forty-five  consecutive  years.  It  has  a  unique 
record.  The  lodge  meeting  is  Friday  evening. 
We  cannot  stop  over,  but  must  proceed  on  to 

GORHA.M. 

It  will  compensate  in  some  degree  for  the  disap- 
pointment and  loss  in  not  gathering  with  the 
brothers  in  the  lodge-room  to  meet  them  on  the 
street,  where  I  have  exchanged  pleasant  greetings 
daily  for  more  than  two  years,  on  my  rounds  in 
newspaper  work.  Gorham  is  a  classic  town.  The 
Gorham  Normal  School  is  established  here,  ably 
conducted  by  Professor  Corthell.  It  is  also  the 
home  of  Hon.  ex-Governor  Robie,  widely  known 
among  the  "  Patrons  of  Husbandry."  He  has 
held  the  highest  executive  office  in  the  State. 
Gorham  Lodge  was  instituted  Jan.  15,  1883,  and 
now  numbers  over  one  hundred  and  forty  mem- 
bers. The  names  of  Lowell,  Hayes,  Harding, 
Shackford,     Coburn,    Bolton,    Summerside,     and 


MAKING   THE   CIRCUIT.  41 

McLellan  are  familiar  to  Odd  Fellows  who  have 
spent  a  little  time  in  looking  up  members  of  the 
order  in  that  village.  A  cordial  reception  is  given 
to  all  visiting  brothers  at  the  lodge. 

We  shall  have  a  change  at  our  next  stopping- 
place,  "  Saco  River "  station  —  take  the  mail 
stage  for  a  four- mile  drive  to 

WEST   BUXTON   VILLAGE. 

Before  we  undertake  the  tedious  journey  through 
the  mud,  we  will  walk  down  in  this  part  of  the 
town  called 

"  BAR   MILLS," 

and  call  upon  Brothers  Meserve,  Locke,  S.  J.  and 
C.  H.  Towle,  and  Palmer,  at  the  post-office, 
Flint  and  Harmon  at  the  furniture  mills  —  all 
worthy  members  of  Saco  Valley  Lodge.  They 
reside  so  far  from  the  place  of  meeting  that  they 
seldom  have  the  privilege  of  participating  in  the 
work  of  the  lodge,  but  they  are  ever  ready  to 
assist    in  advancing  its  "  good  and  welfare." 

Here  we  are  on  our  way,  closely  packed  between 
two  women,  our  legs  pinioned  by  the  staring 
man  on  the  middle  seat.  He  answers  to  the 
name  of  gentleman.  Perhaps  the  ladies  judge 
him  otherwise.  The  way  is  anything  but  pleasant, 
and  there  are  fears  that  the  journey  may  not  be 
safe  ;   but  we  will  hope  for  the  best.     It  is  Wedhes- 


42  ON   THE   ROAD. 

day.  This  is  the  evening  of  the  lodge  meeting. 
There  is  Brother  Charles  Hobson,  standing  in  the 
doorway  of  his  store.  He  beckons  us  that  way. 
Brother  James  H.  Towle,  Noble  Grand,  invites  us 
to  walk  over  the  bridge.  What  a  droll  name  for 
a  village  — "  Moderation  "  !  It  does  not  imply  that 
the  people  "  let  their  moderation  be  known  unto 
all  men,  "  but  it  is  the  sluggish  moving  of  the 
waters  onward  through  the  Saco  valley  that  gives 
it  its  name. 

Manufacturing  and  shipping  lumber  is  the 
principal  business  of  the  place.  Buxton  and 
Hollis  are  connected  by  the  bridge  we  are  cross- 
ing. 

There  are  visitors  present  from  Highland  Lodge, 
Limerick,  this  evening.  The  boys  are  to  have  a 
pleasant  entertainment.  We  shall  make  the  ac- 
quaintance of  a  number  of  them.  Let  us  break 
"  the  ring  "  that  has  been  formed,  and  clasp  hands 
with  those  that  are  extended  towards  us.  Here 
are  Brothers  Bradbury,  "  Ed "  Hobson,  Barnes, 
Bason,  Sawyer,  Judkins,  Partridge,  Sands,  Cobb, 
Smith,  Goldthwait,  Tarbox,  and  others.  It  is 
nearly  six  years  since  I  met  them  all.  It  has 
been  a  good  and  pleasant  thing  to  sit  among  the 
brothers  to-night.  We  have  enjoyed  a  hearty 
laugh,  and  helped  to  put  away  a  portion  of  the 
delicious  ice-cream  and  cake.  Now  come  the 
good-night  partings,  and  we  hear  the  pleasant 
words,  "  Come  again." 


MAKING   THE   CIRCUIT.  43 

The  coach  is  at  the  door  right  on  time  —  six 
o'clock.  We  have  hardly  finished  breakfast. 
Here  we  are  jogging  along  over  the  same  old 
road  to  Saco   River   station.     Our   next   stop    is 

SOUTH    WATERBORO', 

a  small  village.  Smith's  Steam  Saw- mills,  coat 
and  pants  shops,  and  farming  are  the  resources  of 
the  people. 

Enterprise  Lodge  was  instituted  November  5, 
1880.  It  numbers  one  hundred  and  seventeen 
members  to-day.  The  attendance  at  the  weekly 
meetings  is  generally  small.  Many  of  the  brothers 
reside  miles  distant  from  the  hall.  Should  we  be 
in  the  village  some  Monday,  we  should  be  likely 
to  meet  Brothers  Thynge,  Emery,  Carll,  Will.  C. 
Thynge,  A.  H.  Ricker,  Guptill,  Harding,  J.  Allen 
Smith,  F.  W.  Littlefield,  and  F.  E.  Libby  at  their 
posts,  conducting  the  business  of  the  lodge.  It 
is  now  the  busy  season.  It  will  be  difficult  to 
find  many  of  the  brothers.  We  will  go  to  the 
station  ;   the  train  will  soon  arrive. 

"  All  aboard  for 

SPRING  vale!" 

Here  we  are  —  free  coach  to  the  hotel.  Kept 
by  Brother  W.  A.  Lowe,  —  good  quarters.  We  will 
walk  about  the  village  and  see  what  is  going  on, 


44  ON   THE    ROAD. 

The  shoe  business  must  be  booming.  Three 
large  buildings  are  going  up.  There  are  woollen 
mills  on  the  river  in  operation. 

My  good  brother  and  friend,  "  Ben,"  is  not  in 
his  harness-shop.  A  gentleman  on  the  street 
says,  "  Hamilton  is  sick  — confined  to  his  house." 
We  will  go  immediately  and  see  him.  Glad  to 
find  him  improving,  with  good  prospects  of  speedy 
recovery.  There  are  a  number  of  brothers  on  the 
street —  old  acquaintances.  I  will  introduce  you  to 
Brother  Lord  at  the  dry-goods  store ;  Wentworth, 
the  undertaker;  A.  J.  Smith,  merchant,  many 
years  Treasurer  of  Friendship  Lodge ;  Chenery 
at  the  coat-shops;  Frank  Lowe,  D.D.G.M. ;  Mer- 
rill, Butler,  Dexter,  Ellis,  and  "  Charley"  Hamil- 
ton. There  are  few  brothers  present  at  the  lodge 
this  evening.  Too  many  attractions  outside. 
It  is  good  to  retire  early  after  a  day  of  hard 
tramping.  We  will  improve  this  opportunity  to 
make  up  for  the  late  hours  in  the  past,  and  more 
that  are  to  follow. 

Our  journey  is  onward.  Wo  shall  shortly  cross 
the  boundary  line  between  Maine  and  New  Hamp- 
shire. Rochester  station  is  the  junction.  We 
will  change  cars  and  take  passage  over  the  Boston 
&  Maine  line  to 

GREAT    FALLS,    N.H., 

half  an  hour's  ride.     There  is  nothing  of  interest 
along  the   route. 


MAKING   THE   CIRCUIT.  45 

Here  is  the  city.  Large  brick  and  stone  blocks. 
Manufacturing  establishments  appear  at  all  points. 
We  will  defer  our  survey  of  the  town  at  present. 
Cross  the  bridge  here,  and  we  get  into 

"  OLD    BERWICK." 

It  is  twelve  o'clock.  Now  is  the  time  to  see  lots 
of  "  the  boys  "  at  the  shoe  factory  up  the  street. 
Yes,  here  are  Guptill,  Toothaker,  Foy,  Dow,  Mc- 
Donald, Hodsdon,  Wakefield,  Hutchinson,  Den- 
nett, Ford,  and  Huntress,  —  all  preparing  to  take 
their  noonday  meal  and  enjoy  a  social  smoke. 
This  meeting  reminds  me  of  other  days,  when  I 
used  to  drop  in  among  the  brothers  ;  always  find- 
ing them  with  open  hands,  speaking  words  of 
good-will  and  encouragement. 

We  will  now  call  upon  a  brother  and  true  friend 
who  possesses  a  large  heart.  His  deeds  of  benevo- 
lence and  charity  are  many.  It  is  Past  Grand 
James  L.  Stone.  Had  I  time  I  would  recount  to 
you  the  comfort  and  happiness  I  experienced  in 
days  gone  by,  while  I  was  a  recipient  of  hospital- 
ities at  his  home.  Brother  Stone  and  his  estimable 
w'fe  have  always  been  my  steadfast  friends.  Their 
doors  have  been  open  to  me,  and  the  kind  word 
"  Welcome  "  has  saluted  my  ears  at  every  meet- 
ing. He  is  employed  in  the  shoe-shop  over  the 
river  at  Great  Falls.  We  will  accompany  him 
this    afternoon.      He  has   obtained   permission  of 


4©  ON   THE   ROAD. 

the  "boss"  for  us  to  enter  the  shop  and  speak  a 
word  with  Brothers  Clark,  Winneford,  Eaton, 
Merrill,  and  other  members  of  Washington  Lodge, 
The  time  of  our  permit  is  up.  We  will  retire. 
Many  thanks  to  the  management  for  the  courtesies 
extended.  A  few  steps  over  the  bridge  bring 
us  back  into  Maine.  There  are  a  number  of 
brothers  we  can  see  before  the  meeting  of  Echo 
Lodge  this  evening.  We  will  take  Main  street  up 
from  the  post-office.  Brother  "  Will  "  Rich  is  out 
of  the  office,  busy  on  G.  A.  R.  matters  He  is  a 
wounded  man.  "  Uncle  Sam  "  has  given  him  at- 
tention. "  P.M.  "  stands  at  the  end  of  his  name. 
Here  are  Skillings,  Cooper,  Wilson,  and  Spencer. 
"Come  in!  Have  a  seat  on  the  head  of  this 
barrel !  '  This  is  very  kind  in  you,  Brother 
Skillings,  to  give  us  the  best  chair  your  store 
affords. 

The  lamps  are  lighted  in  the  hall.  Brothers  O. 
W.  and  F.  M.  Guptill,  Bragden,  "Tom"  Knox, 
Wentworth,  Eastman,  Clement,  and  Robinson  are 
here,  wide  awake  and  full  of  fun,  as  usual.  It  has 
been  one  of  my  old-time  meetings  to-night.  Is  it 
any  wonder  why  the  boys  grow  fat?  Some  of 
them  show  that  they  enjoy  the  good  things  of  life 
as  much  as  Jay  Gould  or  the  Vanderbilts. 

We  are  told  that  "  there  is  no  rest,"  and  such  is 
our  daily  experience.  We  must  go  on,  and  still 
on,  to  complete  the  circuit  of  this  journey. 

It    is    at    Salmon    Falls,    N.H.,    station    we    are 


MAKING   THE   CIRCUIT.  47 

stopping.  We  have  sufficient  time  to  cross  the 
river  to 

SOUTH    BERWICK    VILLAGE,, 

on  the  other  side,  and  interview  Brother  H.  A.  Farn- 
ham,  Permanent  Secretary  of  Olive  Branch  Lodge. 
Perhaps  he  may  spare  the  time  to  show  us  through 
the  shop,  where  there  are  a  number  of  brothers 
employed.  Brother  Farnham  has  examined  my 
credentials,  and  kindly  offers  to  show  "  the  boys  " 
the  content  of  m,  grip.  Many  of  them  have 
known  the  Veteran  Past  Grand  for  years,  and  they 
give  us  a  hearty  shake  of  the  hand.  Brother  Farn- 
ham says,  "  Follow  me."  Here  we  see  Brothers 
Hubbard,  Dudley,  Hassey,  Gillis,  Edwin  Farnham, 
Bredeen,  Hemcnway,  and  Ridley.  These  com- 
prise the  full  number  of  brothers  employed  in  the 
shops.  They  represent  the  material  of  which  the 
lodge  is  composed  — ready  and  willing  to  engage 
in  any  work  that  tends  to  advance  the  interests  of 
Odd  Fellowship. 

This  evening  we  shall  have  Brother  William  C. 
Butler  for  an  escort.  He  will  introduce  us  to 
Brothers  Bailey  at  the  bookbindery,  D.  E.  and 
John  A.  Mclntire  at  the  hardware  store.  It  is 
raining,  and  disagreeable  walking  about  the  streets  ; 
but  we  cannot  meet  our  friends  every  day.  Let 
us  make  our  way  through  the  crowd  gathered  to 
listen  to  the  music  of  the  band.  "  There  is  a  show 
to-night."     Brothers  Joy  and   Murphy  are    here. 


48 


ON   THE   ROAD. 


See  !  Brother  Bodge  has  taken  the  last  copy  and 
labelled  my  grip,  "  Empty  is  the  cradle."  There 
will  be  a  new  supply   at  our  next   stopping-place, 

NORTH    BERWICK. 

Here  we  are  surrounded  by  a  band  of  brothers 
good  and  true.  Captain  "Will"  H.  Austin,  of 
Canton  Columbian,  P.  M.,  and  Grand  Patriarch  of 
the  Grand  Encampment  of  Maine,  is  at  the  head 
of  the  column,  calling  the  boys  into  line  on  their 
march  to  Odd  Fellows  Hall,  where  they  are  to 
hold  a  reunion  with  the  Veteran  Past  Grand. 
You,  kind  Reader,  are  invited  to  be  one  of  the 
number.  I  will  lean  on  your  right  arm  while  we 
are  travelling  the  rough  road. 

Here  are  the  rank  and  file.  They  step  to  the 
music  of  the  band.     "  Fall  in,  boys  !  ': 


David  Austin, 
Fremont  Allen, 
Charles  Evans, 
J.  Fred  Neal, 
George  W.  Perkins, 
Walter  Small, 
John  Tufts, 
Charles  Tobie, 
A.J   Allen,  2d, 
John  A.  Sevey, 
George  H.  Cole, 
W.  B.  Littlefield, 


"  Ed  "  Collins, 
L.  H.  Estes, 
Fred.  A.  Estes, 
Charles  Goodwin, 
C.  W.  Albee, 
Dr.  McCorison, 
James  Austin, 
David  Nutter, 
E.  W.  Adams, 
J.  M.   Estes, 
Otis  Littlefield, 
Edwin  H.  Grant, 


MAKING   THE    CIRCUIT.  49 

and  a  host  of  others.     Listen  to  the  words  of  their 
song,  floating  out  on  the  clear  air :  — 

"  Though  o'er  life's  desert  dreary 

Like  pilgrims  still  we  stray, 
We'll  aid  our  brother  weary, 

And  cheer  him  on  his  way; 
Then  if  he  fall  beside  us, 

When  kindness  fails  to  save, 
The  evergreen  of  friendship 

We'll  strew  upon  his  grave. 

"Our  mission's  one  of  mercy, 

Our  purposes  are  high  ; 
We  heed  the  moan  of  sorrow, 

And  th'  needy  when  they  cry ; 
We  help  the  lonely  widow, 

And  orphans  in  their  youth, 
And  they  shall  bless  the  order 

Of  Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth.'" 

This  is  a  joyful  occasion  for  the  members  of 
Eagle  Lodge,  Number  47,  instituted  January  20, 
1875.  To-day  it  is  strong  and  prosperous,  and 
the  brothers  bear  proudly  aloft  their  banner  in- 
scribed   With     "  FRIENDSHIP,    LOVE,   AND   TRUTH." 

"  KENNEBUNK    NEXT," 

says  the  polite  brakeman.  We  will  hie  over  the 
hills  as  quickly  as  possible,  before  the  clock  in  the 
tower  strikes  twelve  —  the  signal  for  the  doors  of 
the  mills  and  factories  to  close,  and  for  the  work- 
men   to     go    to    their     homes.     Brother    George 


5<D  ON    THE    ROAD. 

P.  Lowell's  bakery  will  be  our  starting-point. 
Moving  down  the  street  to  Brother  Andrews's 
office,  there  are  tedious,  long  flights  of  stairs. 

It  is  not  always  safe  working  our  way  among 
rapid-moving  machinery,  among  buzz-saws,  through 
foundries  and  places  where  men  are  at  work  every 
moment  of  the  day  "earning  bread  by  the  sweat 
of  their  brow."  None  of  them  pass  us  by  on  the 
other  side.  They  all  recognize  the  man  who  has 
seen  years.  "We  should  be  pleased  to  take  you 
by  the  hand,"  say  they,  "  but  can't  stop.  Call 
round    later." 

It  is  evening.  A  small  company  of  the  brothers 
stop  a  moment  to  exchange  friendly  greetings. 
They  answer  to  their  names  —  Gooding,  Simonds, 
Garfield,  Bridges,  Hill,  Gilpatrick,  Meades,  Rich- 
ardson, Littlefield,  Perkins,  George  R.  Smith. 

We  are  one  day  too  late  for  lodge  meeting. 
Must  say  good-by  to  "  the  boys."  Have  passed  a 
quiet  night  at  Mr.  Hall's  house.  This  morning  we 
will  board  the  train  for 

BIDDEFORD    AND    SACO, 

manufacturing  cities.  Granite  and  Liconia  Lodges 
are  on  the  Biddeford  side  of  the  river.  Saco  Lodge, 
Number  2,  exhibits,  with  laudable  pride,  the 
charter  granted  Aug.  31,  1843.  Past  Grand  Mas- 
ters Edward  P.  Burnham  and  Gorham  N.  Wey- 
mouth are  two  worthy  representatives  of  the  Order 


MAKING    THE   CIRCUIT.  51 

in  these  cities.  There  are  few  earnest,  active 
workers  who  enter  into  the  true  spirit  of  Odd 
Fellowship.  To-day  there  is  not  exhibited  much 
interest  in  lodge  work,  and  the  attendance  at  the 
weekly  meetings  is  small.  Upon  the  brothers 
here  named  comes  the  burden  of  lodge  work  in 
Saco :  C.  H.  Towle,  L.  L.  Peck,  Hon.  Wm.  T. 
Emmons,  \V.  L.  Hasty,  C.  L.  and  R.  E.  Gilpatrick, 
George  F.  Owen,  C.  L.  Berry,  Charles  Hersey,  S. 
D.  Ross,  A.  T.  Lord. 

The  lodges  in  Biddeford  partake  somewhat  of 
the  nature  of  scores  of  other  lodges  throughout 
the  jurisdiction.  They  make  a  good  showing  in 
their  term  reports,  in  number  of  members,  and  in 
invested  funds,  but  are  slim  in  lodge  attendance. 
The  sick  are  cared  for  by  a  few  brothers  who  feel 
their  responsibility  to  put  into  practice  what  they 
have  promised  to  perform.  Here  are  the  names 
of  a  few  such  worthy  brothers:  C.  H.  Brackett, 
J.  Etchell,  W.  F.  Little,  John  C.  Haley,  Clarence 
Watson,  C.  E.  Pillsbury. 

Were   it   a   few  weeks  earlier  in  the  season  we 
might  enjoy  stopping  at  the  next  station, 

OLD    ORCHARD    BEACH, 

and  breast  old  ocean's  surges  upon  the  beach; 
but  the  thought  of  cold  salt  water  sends  a  chill 
through  my  body.  One  hour's  tarry  at  the  noted 
summer  resort  will  suffice.     Any  longer  stay  will 


52  ON   THE    ROAD. 

not  turn  back  the  season,  or  fill  up  the  hotels  with 
guests.  There  is  no  longer  a  demand  for  bathing- 
suits,  and  we  look  in  vain  to  see  the  happy  chil- 
dren engaged  in  these  out-of-door  sports. 

Atlantic  Lodge,  instituted  March  17,  1880,  is 
located  in  this  village,  which  was  originally  one  of 
the  wards  in  the  city  of  Saco.  The  lodge  has  a 
small  membership,  and  makes  but  slow  progress. 
Brothers  John  Milliken,  George  T.  Fogg,  F.  L. 
Cleaves,  and  Charles  Gorham  are  the  only  mem- 
bers we  can  see  to-day. 

The  many  vacant  seats  in  the  cars  remind  us 
that  the  thousands  who  travelled  over  the  road 
during  the  "  vacation  season "  have  returned  to 
their  homes,  and  we  shall  shortly  reach  the  end  of 
"the  circuit"  at  the  Union  Station  in  Portland. 

I  will  stop  here  and  rest  a  few  days  before  start- 
ing on  a  new  route. 


AMONG  THE   SPINDLES   AND   FARMS.  53 


Chapter  VIII. 

AMONG   THE   SPINDLES   AND   FARMS. 

OUR  journey  will  be  a  short  but  pleasant  one. 
We  go  over  the  Maine  Central  Railroad  to  Bruns- 
wick Junction,  then  change  and  make  a  quick  run 

to 

LISBON   FALLS, 

a  thriving  manufacturing  village,  with  cotton,  wool- 
len, and  lumber  mills.  Business  of  all  kinds  is 
active,  giving  employment  available  to  all  classes, 
bringing  comfort  and  happiness  to  the  homes 
of  hundreds  of  industrious  citizens.  Worumbo 
Lodge,  instituted  June  25,  1884,  located  here, 
holds  its  weekly  meeting  to-night. 

We  will  call  at  the  mill  and  speak  a  word  with 
Past  Grand  Thorn,  editor  of  the  "Village  Ob- 
server." He  can  post  us  on  all  matters  pertaining 
to  the  lodge  and  the  Order  in  this  locality. 
"  Ben  "  is  a  host  in  pushing  forward  all  good  en- 
terprises. His  prophecies- have  been  confirmed 
this  evening.  We  see  a  larger  number  of  brothers 
present  at  the  meeting  than  he  was  confident  there 
would  be.  We  see  before  us  many  whose  faces 
are  familiar  to  me,  but  I  am  unable  to  recall 
their  names.      Many  of  them  were  readers  of  the 


54  ON  THE   ROAD. 

"  Odd  Fellows'  Register "  when  I  conducted  that 
journal. 

It  will  be  impracticable  to  record  the  names  of 
all  the  good  brothers  who  have  placed  their  auto- 
graphs in  my  note-book.  I  will  copy  after  the 
style  of  petitioners  to  the  General  Court  praying 
for  the  adoption  of  some  important  measure,  and 
head  our  list  with  the  names  of  A.  T.  Bibber, 
George  Beals,  and  forty  others.  They  will  all  be 
remembered  by  us  on  our  journey  through  life. 

The  lodge  is  composed  of  the  best  men  in  the 
community.  We  will  look  about  the  village  this 
morning.  We  have  a  fine  view  of  the  town  and 
the  surrounding  country  from  this  high  hill. 
"  Making  up  the  train !  "  We  will  soon  go  on 
board.     It  is  three  miles  to 

LISBON, 

the  first  edition  of  "The  Falls"  in  its  business 
relations  and  the  character  of  its  citizens.  S.ab- 
battis  River  Lodge  existed  fifteen  years  ago. 
The  lodge  at  the  "  Falls "  is  an  offshoot  from 
it.  The  gentlemanly  "super"  at  the  office 
has  given  us  permission  to  go  through  the  mills 
and  interview  any  person  we  desire. 

Brothers  Elmer  T.  Smith,  Noble  Grand,  and 
John  Willard  are  rendering  us  valuable  assistance 
in  our  work.  The  train  does  not  leave  until  three 
o'clock.     We  have  ample  time  to   "  do  the  town," 


AMONG   THE    SPINDLES    AND    FARMS.  55 

for  "  the  boys  "  are  interested.  They  are  asking, 
"What  have  we  here?"  They  are  coming  from 
the  east,  west,  north,  and  south — Brothers  Dixon, 
Scvey,  Slater,  Shaw,  Spear,  Webber,  Ross,  Pat- 
terson, and  scores  of  others,  to  see  and  read  for 
themselves.  "  Harry  "  Jordan  and  Frank  Proctor 
are  at  the  station,  waiting  to  give  us  a  "  send-off" 
on  our  journey  to 

FARMINGTON. 

It  has  been  a  pleasant  two  hours'  ride.  Here  we 
are  in  the  picturesque  village  —  the  old  farming 
town  of  Maine.  Many  and  great  changes  have 
been  wrought  by  the  fire-fiend  in  late  years. 
To-day  fine  large  brick  blocks  take  the  places  of 
small  wooden  buildings.  Inspired  by  hope  and 
fortified  by  courage,  the  sufferers  from  the  devas- 
tating flames  have  diligently  labored  and  strug- 
gled to  accomplish  what  our  eyes  now  behold. 

The  resources  of  the  people  are  largely  from 
the  products  of  the  soil.  The  village  has  special 
natural  attractions  which  bring  many  visitors  from 
abroad,  in  the  season  of  bright  flowers  and  open- 
air  recreation,  to  its  enchanted  grounds.  Hotel 
Willows,  kept  by  landlord  Brother  Will  H. 
McDonald,  is  an  arbor  among  the  thrifty  shade- 
trees  on  the  hill  overlooking  the  village.  The 
"  Chronicle,"  conducted  by  Past  Grand  J.  M.  S. 
Hunter,  is  the  people's   paper,   and   aims    to   pro- 


55  ON   THE   ROAD. 

mote  the  interests  of  town  and  country.  The 
birthday  of  Franklin  Lodge  dates  back  to  Feb- 
ruary 27,  1849.  Brothers  Gerry,  Voter,  Titcomb, 
and  a  small  number  of  other  brothers  in  the  village, 
attend  the  weekly  meetings,  and  perform  their 
duties  as  faithful  Odd  Fellows.  The  membership 
is  scattered  over  miles  of  territory.  We  have 
been  royally  entertained  at  Hotel  Willows  this 
beautiful  October  day.  I  recall  my  second  visit 
to  the  village,  April  15,  1888.  It  was  on  the 
day  of  my  fortieth  anniversary  of  initiation  into 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  I  received 
a  pleasant  greeting  from  the  members  of  Franklin 
Lodge,  also  from  landlord  McDonald  and  the 
guests  of  his  house.  We  will  take  the  first  morn- 
ing train,  and  return  over  the  route  we  have  trav- 
elled as  far  as 

LIVERMORE    FALLS. 

This  is  a  busy  manufacturing  village.  Every 
description  of  small  wooden  boxes,  "  knick- 
knacks,"  and  divers  articles  are  turned  out  and 
wrought  by  skilled  workmen.  The  excellent 
water-power  on  both  sides  of  the  river  is  utilized. 
The  first  brother  we  meet  is  Past  Grand  David 
Cargill.  As  usual,  he  has  the  "State  Year  Book," 
insurance,  and  other  important  business  to  attend 
to.  But  he  stops  to  recall  the  events  of  other 
days,  and  places  us  in  the  charge  of  Past  Grand 


AMONG   THE    SPINDLES    AND    FARMS.  57 

J.  W.  Dunham,  who  is  ready  to  conduct  us  about 
the  village.  There  are  a  number  of  brothers  at 
work  in  the  mills.  We  can  interview  them  during 
the  working  hours;  but  we  must  rely  upon  an 
experienced  guide  to  conduct  us  over  the  laby- 
rinthine path,  through  the  mills,  over  the  narrow 
bridge,  and  up  the  winding  stairs.  Livermorc 
Falls  Lodge  meets  this  evening.  The  inclement 
weather  has  prevented  some  of  the  brothers 
residing  out  of  the  village  from  being  present. 
The  exercises  of  the  meeting  have  been  entertain- 
ing, made  so  by  the  words  spoken  by  Brothers 
Thompson,  Richards,  Randall,  Hutchins,  and 
others.  The  railroad  station  is  only  a  few  steps 
from  the  hotel.  We  have  time  for  breakfast 
before  the  first  train  leaves.  Here  is  Brother  J. 
C.  Burbank,  of  Charlestown,  Mass.  He  is  Trus- 
tee of  Bunker  Hill  Lodge  in  that  city.  We  are 
to  have  his  company  on  the  train.  Conductor 
Anderson  has  presented  us  with  one  of  his 
"  Chinese  puzzles,"  which  is  good  for  a  stop-off  at 

NORTH   YARMOUTH 

station,  where  we  can  spend  the  day  with  family 
relatives.  The  harvesting  season  is  past.  The 
products  of  the  farm  and  orchard  have  not  been 
abundant,  but  the  large  bins  in  the  cellar  are 
filled  with  choice  apples.  "  Sam  "  and  the  boys 
spend  no  idle  time  from  spring  to  fall.    Whatso- 


58  ON    THE    ROAD. 

ever  their  hands  find  to  do  they  do  with  all  their 
might. 

It  will  be  a  pleasant  drive  over  to 

CUMBERLAND    CENTRE 

with  Henry,  to  spend  an  hour  with  Brothers  True, 
Blanchard,  Livcrmore,  and  Adams.  We  are 
nearing  the  end  of  our  journey,  having  travelled 
aearly  one  hundred  miles,  and  exchanged  pleas- 
ant greetings  with  scores  of  brothers.  Now  we 
are    "  home    again." 


OVER  THE  GRAND  TRUNK  ROAD.      59 


Chapter  IX. 

OVER   THE   GRAND   TRUNK   ROAD. 

The  station  is  at  the  foot  of  India  street.  Our 
prospective  journey  is  over  a  circuitous  route, 
passing  Danville  and  Levviston  Juncti6ns,  Oxford, 
Empire  Road,  on  to 

MECHANIC    FALLS. 

Here  are  paper,  woollen,  and  cotton  mills,  shoe- 
shops,  large  and  small  manufactories  of  various 
kinds.  It  is  a  busy  village  in  the  town  of  Minot. 
Monami  Lodge  is  located  here.  I  have  not 
many  acquaintances  in  the  village.  There  are 
some  brothers  on  the  street  I  used  to  meet  when 
the  hall  was  over  the  store,  down  town,  years  ago. 
I  have  not  visited  the  lodge  since  '83.  There  is 
Brother  E.  E.  Morton,  standing  on  the  corner. 
He  can  answer  our  questions.  He  says  he  will 
show  us  round  the  town  after  dinner.  Here  is 
an  inn.  We  can  attend  to  that  important  and 
pleasant  duty  of  taking  refreshment.  Now  we 
are  ready  to  start  out  on  our  pilgrimage.  It  is 
our  good-fortune  to  fall  in  with  so  agreeable  an 
escort  as  Brother  Morton.  He  is  familiar  with 
the  faces  and  names  of  all  the  brothers  of  the 
mystic  tie:  Moulton,  Devinal,  Perkins,  Barnard, 
Perry,    Denning,    and    Lane.       Here    is    my    old 


6o  ON  Tin-:  ROAD. 

brother,  I.  A.  Denison,  who  has  had  many  years' 
experience  manufacturing  paper  at  the  mills 
across  the  street.  Brother  Saunders  and  a  num- 
ber of  "  the  hands  "  are  returning  from  dinner.  We 
can  chat  with  them  awhile  before  the  whistles 
blow.  Here  arc  Brothers  Noyes,  Lane,  Buckman, 
Farrer,  Grant,  and  Briggs.  We  have  just  time  to 
board  the  train  on  the  Rumford  Falls  &  Buck- 
field  Road  for 

CANTON. 

We  are  privileged  to  ride  over  the  Rumford 
Falls  &  Buck-field  Branch  on  this  pass  kindly 
furnished  us  by  Superintendent  L.  L.  Lincoln,  the 
veteran  railroad  conductor  in  Maine.  There  are 
a  number  of  small  stations  along  the  route,  giving 
interest  to  the  journey.  Canton  is  a  small  manu- 
facturing village.  Well  do  I  remember  the  events 
of  the  day  and  night  when  Canton  Encampment 
was  instituted  some  five  years  ago  by  Grand  Patri- 
arch Edwin  A.  Gray  and  suite.  Anasagunticook 
Lodge  is  prosperous.  A  few  years  ago  a  new 
hall  was  fitted  up  and  neatly  furnished,  in  the 
brick  block  on  the  main  street.  Brothers  Nathan 
Reynolds,  Abner  Shaw,  A.  B.  Allen,  Hiram  Ellis, 
H.  T.  Small,  and  James  Montgomery  are  among 
the  leading  members  in  lodge  and  encampment 
work. 

We  must  not  fail  to  take  the  early  morning  train 
to  connect  at  Mechanic  Falls  with  the  train  (or 


OVER  THE  GRAND  TRUNK  ROAD.      6l 


SOUTH  PARIS, 

the  country  of  the  "  Oxford  Bears." 

It  will  not  be  comfortable  or  conducive  to 
health  to  travel  these  streets  in  a  cold  rain-storm. 
Perhaps  we  may  see  some  of  the  members  of 
Mount  Mica  Lodge  passing  this  way.  Yes,  here 
are  Brothers  Fuller,  Ripley,  King,  and  Starbird. 

We  should  be  pleased  to  spend  the  evening  with 
them  at  the  lodge  ;  but  will  have  to  postpone  the 
meeting  until  a  more  convenient  season. 

It  is  one  mile  over  the  branch  road  to 

NORWAY. 

We  can  see  the  church-spire  and  tall  chimneys 
through  the  trees  as  we  near  the  village.  Every- 
thing about  the  town  comes  familiarly  before  my 
eyes. 

Yes,  we  will  ride  to  the  Elm  House.  "  The 
Captain,"  Whitmarsh,  stands  outside.  He  says, 
"  I  low  are  ye?  The  door  is  open  :  enter,  brothers." 
Thousands  of  hands  are  busy  to-day  in  the  shoe- 
shops,  foundries,  tanneries,  furniture  manufactories, 
lumber-mills,  and  various'  other  industries  which 
are  bringing  wealth  and  prosperity  to  the  people. 

We  will  make  our  first  call  upon  Past  Grand  A. 
L.  F.  Pike,  Secretary  of  the  "  Odd  Fellows'  Graded 
Relief  Association."    We  shall  find  him  at  the  Nor- 


62  ON   THE    ROAD. 

way  Medicine  Company's  office,  dispensing  the 
panacea  for  all  the  ills  that  man  is  heir  to, — ■ 
"  Brown's  Instant  Relief  for  Pain."  He  will  gladly 
furnish  us  with  a  letter  of  introduction  to  Keene 
Brothers,  proprietors  of  the  shoe- factories  on  Lynn 
street,  where  there  are  many  brothers  and  friends. 

Before  starting  on  our  walk  we  will  call  upon 
Brother  "  Ed "  Ames,  the  veteran  Treasurer  of 
Norway  Lodge,  which  has  a  notable  history  in 
Maine  Odd  Fellowship  in  degree  work.  We  have 
had  a  lively  tramp  through  the  rooms  in  the  shops, 
under  the  lead  of  Brother  J.  W.  Crommett.  He 
has  called  the  attention  of  Brothers  Nixer,  Libby, 
Burnell,  Sullivan,  Bonncy,  and  twenty-five  others, 
to  the  links  that  bind  us  together  in  Friendship, 
Love,  and  Truth. 

Here  we  will  climb  these  steep  stairs  to  the  tan- 
nery and  currying  shops.  There  are  a  number  of 
kind  brothers  at  work  here.  The  premises  are  not 
so  tidy  and  attractive  as  some  stores  and  work- 
shops Ave  have  visited,  but  the  money  earned  by 
the  men  employed  is  equal  in  value  with  the  dollars 
belonging  to  the  "  bloated  bond-holder."  Broth- 
ers Crockett,  Boynton,  McCrillis,  Cleaves,  Leavitt, 
Green,  and  Devine  can  instruct  us  in  the  modus 
operandi  of  converting  the  hide  of  "the  cattle  on 
a  thousand  hills  "  into  material  for  making  men's 
foot-wear.  Our  journeying  in  Maine  is  at  an 
end  for  a  while.  We  will  cross  the  State  boundary 
and  pass  through  a  portion  of  New  Hampshire. 


THE    OLD    BAY    STATE.  63 


Chapter   X. 

THE    OLD    BAY   STATE. 

It  is  November  5,  1889,  a  beautiful,  bright  day. 
The  journey  over  the  Eastern  Division  of  the  Bos- 
ton &  Maine  Railroad  has  been  an  enjoyable  one. 
We  have  had  the  company  of  old  acquaintances 
on  the  way.  The  train  is  now  entering  the  tunnel 
under  the  street.  We  shall  soon  be  at  the  station. 
It  is 

SALEM, 

a  historic  town  long  years  ago  in  the  ancient 
"  days  of  witchcraft."  We  have  some  hours  of 
daylight  before  us  to  look  about  the  city.  We 
will  drop  into  City  Hall,  and  see  some  of  the 
brothers,  my  old  acquaintances  in  former  days. 
Here  are  Hon.  John  M.  Raymond,  mayor  of  the 
city,  J.  Archer  Hill,  H.  J.  Loud,  and  W.  S.  Nevens, 
city  representative  of  the  Boston  "  Herald."  If 
we  can  find  out  the  whereabouts  of  my  good 
brother  "  Moses,"  we  shall  be  all  right.  He  is 
known  by  everybody  in  Salem.  Visitors  to  Essex 
Lodge  and  Naumkeag  Encampment  will  find  the 
veteran  Past  Grand  Sibly  interested  and  busy  in  all 
matters  pertaining  to  the  good  and   welfare  of  the 


64  ON   TFIE    ROAD. 

Order.  He  has  held  for  many  years  the  office 
of  Deputy  Grand  Sentinel  of  the  Grand  Encamp- 
ment of  Massachusetts. 

The  old  saying,  "  He  is  always  near  whom  you 
arc  talking  about,"  is  true  in  this  instance,  for 
here  comes  Brother  Sibly  up  the  street.  He  is 
a  professional  nurse  for  sick  brothers  of  the 
lodges.  I  will  introduce  you  to  him.  "  Brother 
Sibly,  this  is  Brother  Reader  —  one  of  the  five 
thousand  readers  of  '  Binding  of  the  Links.'  He 
has  a  few  words  to  speak.  Listen  attentively  to 
what  he  may  say." 

Our  good  brother  has  kindly  offered  to  show 
us  about  the  city  and  introduce  us  to  members  of 
the  Order. 

Essex  and  Fraternity  Lodges  are  located  here. 
The  former  numbers  three  hundred  and  ninety- 
two  members,  the  latter  three  hundred  and  thirty- 
six.  Union  Lodge  Daughters  of  Rebekah  has  a 
large  membership  and  is  prosperous. 

We  shall  find  Past  Grand  N.  A.  Verry  at  the 
bank ;  Brothers  Dennis,  J.  B.  Gifford,  Perry, 
Collier,  and  George  H.  Stickney  at  their  places 
of  business  on  the  street.  Hundreds  of  others 
Brother  Sibly  will  direct  us  to,  if  we  have  the 
time   and    ability   to    look  them    up. 

It  is  election  day  throughout  the  State.  We 
shall  have  an  opportunity  to  witness  the  Australian 
form  of  voting. 

Salem  is  an   Odd   Fellow  city.      It  will  require  a 


THE    OLD    BAY    STATE.  6$ 

number  of  days  to  canvass  it.  Brothers  Dennis 
and  "Henry"  (deaf-mute)  have  kindly  invited  us 
to  make  their  office  our  headquarters. 

There  will  be  a  large  attendance  at  Essex 
Lodge  to-night.  Past  Grand  Representative  R. 
R.  Gifford  is  to  entertain  the  members  with  an 
account  of  his  journey  to  Denver,  the  meeting  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  give  a  vivid 
description  of  the  sights  about  Johnstown,  Pa., 
in  the  region  of  the  Conemaugh  disaster.  His 
visit  to  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  in  Philadelphia 
will  awaken  a  lively  interest  in  the  minds  of  the 
audience. 

There  is  easy  and  frequent  communication  with 
all  parts  of  the  city  and  adjoining  towns.  We 
can  divide  up  the  time  profitably  and  "  be  in  dif- 
ferent places  at  the  same  time,"  as  Artemus  Ward 
put  it.  The  Naumkeag  Street  Railway  extends 
through 

PEABODV. 


It  will  be  a  pleasant  drive  this  afternoon.  We 
can  stop  at  Past  Grand  Wm.  F.  Sawyer's  store  and 
chat  awhile  with  him,  then  proceed  on  to  the 
home  of  Brother  and  Sister  Buxton.  We  have 
been  kindly  entertained  by  my  old  friends :  now 
let  us  go  to  Warren  Hall.  Here  are  Brothers  of 
Houlton  Lodge:  McDonald,  Bancroft,  Forest, 
Newhall,  Saunders,  and  a  host   of  the  boys  I  used 


66  ON   THE    ROAD. 

to  be  acquainted  with.  There  is  no  work  before 
the  lodge  to-night.  We  will  return  to  Salem  at 
an  early  hour,  and  come  again  "  some  other  day" 
to  spend  more  time  with  the  people.  There  are 
scores  of  brothers  on  the  street  whose  names 
were  familiar  to  me  years  ago,  when  I  addressed 
copies  of  the  "Odd  Fellows'  Register"  to  them. 
I  know  they  will  not  object  to  placing  their  auto- 
graph in  my  book  among  the  thousands  which  I 
have  obtained  in  my  travels. 

Before  leaving  the  town  we  must  call  at  the 
Peabody  Institute  and  speak  a  word  with  Brother 
John  McKeene.  He  will  take  pleasure  in  show- 
ing us  through  the  building,  the  public  library, 
and  interest  us  with  the  beautiful  and  valuable 
gifts  presented  by  the  great  philanthropist, 
George  Peabody,  for  whom  the  town  was  named. 
It  will  be  a  pleasant  walk  through  Harmony  Grove 
to  view  the  resting-place  of  the  remains  of  Mr. 
Peabody.  There  are  a  number  of  beautiful  burial 
lots  of  the  old  families  of  Salem.  Brothers  Floyd 
and  Teague  have  charge  of  the  grounds.  They 
are  very  courteous  to  visitors. 

It  is  Wednesday.  Fraternity  Lodge  at  Salem 
meets  this  evening.  Here  are  Brothers  Edwards, 
Winpage,  Dayton,  Fowler,  Clough,  Newell,  and 
Symonds.  Brother  Winpage  has  been  guardian 
of  the  outer  door  many  years.  He  is  a  faithful 
officer  and  a  worthy  member  of  the  Order. 
There   will   be   no   better  time  to   visit 


THE   OLD   BAY   STATE.  67 


BEVERLY 
than  now. 

Bass  River  Lodge  meets  on  Saturday  evening 
—  not  a  convenient  night  for  visitors.  We  shall 
see  quite  a  number  of  the  brothers  at  the  shops 
between  working-hours.  The  first  one  to  look  up 
is  Brother  Daniel  S.  Ingersoll.  We  must  make 
our  calls  social,  as  we  shall  not  meet  the  brothers 
at  lodge.  I  will  introduce  you  to  each  brother 
personally :  Brother  Stevens  at  the  bank, 
Harmers  and  Ober  at  the  Town  House,  Ezra 
Stanly,  the  veteran  Secretary  of  Bass  River 
Lodge,  in  the  shoe-shops,  with  Brothers  Wood- 
bury, Eldridge,  Arrington,  Griffin,  Grant, 
Clement,  Clayton,  and  a  number  of  others. 
We  are  glad  to  meet  these  brothers  and  old 
acquaintances,  and  hope  at  some  favorable  time 
to  enjoy  an  evening  with  them  in  the  lodge- 
room,  where  I  spent  a  pleasant  hour  some  six 
years  ago.  We  will  now  say  good-by  to  "  the 
boys,"  take  the  next  car  for  Salem,  and  go  on   to 

LYNN. 

The  shoe  and  other  business  in  the  city  is  dull. 
"  Taking  stock  "  is  the  order  of  the  day.  The 
employees  will  have  but  little  steady  work  until 
after  the  holidays.  I  will  inquire  and  find  out  the 
whereabouts  of  my  old  brother   and    friend,  Eben 


68  ON  THE   ROAD. 

K.  Storcr.  "They  say"  if  we  call  at  130  Market 
street  we  shall  find  him.  ""They  say"  is  right 
this  time,  for  here  he  is  at  the  cutting-board,  look- 
ing just  as  natural  as  life;  and  here  also  is  Brother 
Charles  W.  Fogg,  Secretary  of  Richard  W. 
Droun  Lodge  for  many  years. 

To-morrow  we  will  have  a  look  about  the  city 
among  the  "  men  of  soles."  Step  on  board  of 
this  stPeet-car  with  me,  and  ride  to  Oakwood 
avenue.  It  is  quite  a  long  way  out  of  the  city, 
but  it  will  be  a  pleasant  ride  this  beautiful  morn- 
ing. Here  we  are  at  the  entrance  of  the  avenue. 
A  few  steps  farther  on  is  W.  D.  Sprague  & 
Company's  shoe-factory.  I  will  inquire  at  the 
office  for  the  person  I  am  looking  for.  Here  is 
the  man  himself,  Past  Grand  James  L.  Bryant,  of 
Richard  W.  Droun  Lodge.  This  is  our  first 
meeting  after  an  absence  of  five  years.  To 
Brother  Bryant  I  am  largely  indebted  for  my 
success  in  obtaining  upwards  of  three  hundred 
subscribers  to  the  "Odd  Fellows'  Register  "  when  I 
visited  this  city  in  1882.  Brother  Bryant  will  re- 
member me,  I  know ;  but  he  acts  strangely  when 
I  address  him  and  speak  my  name.  "  I  read," 
he  says,  "a  notice  of  your  death  in  the  papers 
some  years  ago;  but  I  am  glad  it  was  an  error." 
Well,  let  that  pass,  my  good  brother.  I  am  Kilby, 
just  the  same,  and  it  is  he  that  speaketh  to 
you. 

"James,    please   make    my   companion    here    ac- 


Till-:   OLD    BAY    STATE.  69 

quainted  with  your  fellow-workmen."  "  Here  are 
Brothers  Clough,  Phinney,  McCann,  Gorham,  Put- 
nam, Pratt,  and  several  others.  There  arc  not  many 
at  work  to-day." 

I  have  many  kind  brothers  and  friends  among 
the  large  membership  of  Odd  Fellows  in  Chelsea, 
with  whom  I  have  taken  pleasant  counsel  in  years 
gone  by.  I  should  greatly  enjoy  visiting  the  city, 
and  mingling  once  more  with  the  brothers  in 
their  lodge  meetings. 

We  will  start  on  the  way  to-day.  It  is  December 
2  —  cold  and  disagreeable  weather;  but  we  shall 
not  be  exposed  in  the  warm  cars.  We  go  by 
rail  over  the  Eastern  Division  of  the  Boston  & 
Maine  Railroad  to  Boston,  and  take  the  street-cars. 
They  pass  directly  by  Past  Grand  C.  J.  Tinkam's 
office,  180  Broadway.  We  have  made  the  journey 
quickly  and  comfortably.  Brother  Tinkam  is  not 
in  his  office;  we  will  wait  awhile.  I  see  him  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  square.  He  comes  this 
way.  He  is  here.  He  says :  "Give  me  the  grip 
of  your  hand,  brothers  !  " 

"  Hail,  brother  Odd  Fellow!  I  welcome  the  man 
Who  has  three  links  as  a  sign, 
And  greet  you  in  friendship  as  one  of  a  band 
In  brotherly  covenant  joined." 

I  have  enjoyed  an  agreeable  acquaintance  with 

Brother  Tinkam  over  seven  years :    First,  through 

the  columns  of  the  "  Odd  Fellows'  Retjister,"  and 


JO  ON   THE    ROAD. 

later  in  seasons  of  social  intercourse  in  the  room 
we  are  now  occupying.  He  has  ever  been  a  kind 
and  considerate  brother  and  true  friend.  He 
desires  to  place  his  autograph  in  my  book.  See  ! 
He  hands  me  a  card  with  the  names  of  some  of  the 
brothers  on  the  street  whom  we  may  call  upon : 
Past  Grands  Otis  Merriam,  Jr.,  Thomas  Addison, 
E.  H.  Warren,  D.  S.  Turner,  George  W.  Perkins, 
J.  W.  Carr,  Watkins,  Howard,  and  Past  Grand 
Master  John  U.  Perkins. 

At  the  meetings  of  Winnisimmet  and  Mystic 
Lodges  we  shall  meet  a  large  number  of  the 
brothers.  The  cold  rain  will  interfere  with  our 
plans  for  the  remainder  of  the  day.  The  adage 
"A  poor  beginning  makes  a  good  ending"  may 
be  true  in  our  experiences  among  the  Odd  Fel- 
lows of  this  city. 

We  will  thank  our  good  brothers  for  their  many 
favors,  and  depart. 


"THE   HUB."  /I 


Chaffer  XI. 
"THE   HUB." 

"'  I  love  the  road  to  Boston,  the  Boston  road  I  know,' 
And  murmuring  '  Boston,  Boston,'  to  Boston  he  did  go; 
Hail,    holy    Boston,    Boston    dome,    and    Boston    all    things 

prime, 
'Tis  Boston,  Boston,  first  and  last,  and  Boston  all  the  time." 

y.  B.   Wiggin. 

We  shall  find  scores  of  courteous  brothers  and 
kind  friends  at  the  metropolis.  Odd  Fellowship 
and  kindred  fraternal  organizations  are  numerous. 
They  existed  long  years  ago,  when  man  asked  his 
fellow-man,  "  Who  is  my  neighbor?  " 

HEADQUARTERS    IN   THE   CITY. 

Before  we  start  on  our  travels  about  the  city, 
we  should  secure  a  home,  comfortable  quarters 
where  we  can  rest  when  the  day's  work  is 
ended.  Let  us  move  on  from  the  Eastern  depot 
up  Staniford  street  into  Cambridge,  and  take  the 
first  right.  Here  we  are  at  No.  13  Bowdoin 
street.  The  name  on  the  door-plate  reads  "  L.  M. 
Boise."  The  lady  who  answers  the  bell  is  Miss 
Laura  M.,  daughter  of  our  brother,  Past  Grand 
Lewis  D.  Boise,  a  veteran  member  of  Warban 
Lodge,  Newton.      He  has  not  only  seen  years  and 


72 


ON   THE    ROAD. 


witnessed  many  solemn  changes,  but  his  afflictions 
in  his  old  age  have  been  many  and  grievous. 
His  eye  brightens  and  he  is  all  animation  when  he 
recalls  the  bygone  days  of  health,  prosperity,  and 
social  enjoyment. 

We  cannot  do  better  than  to  abide  under  the 
same  roof  with  one  who  has  trod  the  highway  of 
life  for  more  than  threescore  years  and  ten.  \\  e 
will  settle  the  matter  now,  and  make  Brother 
Boise's  house  our  home  and  headquarters  while 
we  remain1  in  the  city.  Here  our  friends  will 
find  us. 

ODD    FELLOWS    HALLS. 

The  grand  objective  point  of  Odd  Fellows 
lodge  and  encampment  meetings  is  the  beauti- 
ful white  marble  building,  No.  515  Tremont, 
corner  of  Berkeley  street.  There  are  three  lodge- 
halls  fitted  up  and  furnished  in  fine  style  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  lodges. 

Covenant  Hall  is  occupied  by  Massachusetts, 
Unity,  Tremont,  Siloam,  and  Franklin  Lodges; 
Friendship  Hall  is  occupied  by  Washington, 
Oriental,  and  Herman  Lodges;  Oasis  Hall  is 
occupied  by  Montezuma,  Boston,  Commercial, 
and  Commonwealth  Lodges. 

The  meetings  of  the  Rebckah  lodges  are  held 
in  these  halls. 

The  encampments  and  grand  lodges  occupy 
halls  on  the  fourth  floor  of  the  building.     Ameri- 


"the  nun."  73 

can  Hall,  No.  724  Washington  street,  accom- 
modates Covenant,  America,  and  Shawmut  Lodges. 
Ancient  Landmark  Lodge  occupies  its  own  hall, 
No.  3  Boylston  place.  Suffolk  Lodge  meets  in 
Elks  Hall,  at  No.  24  Hayward  place.  Bethcsda 
Lodge,  South  Boston,  owns  a  beautiful  large 
block  on  Broadway,  corner  of  F  street.  Hobah 
Lodge,  in  that  part  of  the  city,  occupies  a  small 
hall  on  the  corner  of  Dorchester  and  National 
streets.  Eastern  Star  Lodge,  East  Boston,  meets 
in  its  hall  on  the  square,  in  the  large  brick  block. 
Warren  Lodge,  Roxbury,  occupies  a  hall  at  No. 
10  Warren  street.  Putnam  Lodge  is  at  Putnam 
Hall,  in  Paine's  Block,  1 165  Tremont,  corner  of 
Ruggles  street.  Nonantum  Lodge,  Allston,  has  a 
fine  large  hall  in  the  National  Bank  Building,  near 
the  railroad  station.  Norfolk  Lodge  Hall,  Dor- 
chester, is  on  Bowdoin  street.  Dorchester  Lodge 
meets  at  Lower  Mills;  Mount  Pleasant  Lodge  at 
Upham's  Corner.  Neponset  Lodge  Hall  is  in  the 
brick  block  near  the  railroad  station,  Neponset 
village.  Quinobcquin  Lodge,  Jamaica  Plain,  oc- 
cupies the  hall  in  the  brick  block  opposite  the 
railroad  station.  Daniel  Hersey  Lodge,  in  the 
same  village,  meets  in  Royal  Arcanum  Hall,  on 
Main  street.  Bunker  Hill,  Howard,  and  Olive 
Branch  Lodges,  Charlestown,  occupy  Odd  Fellows 
Hall  in  the  Bank  Building,  No.  25  Main  street. 

All  the  halls  we  have    entered   are   within  the 
city  of  Boston  limits.     It  has  cost  us  many  miles 


74  ON   THE    ROAD. 

of  travel  and  tedious  climbing  up  long  flights  of 
stairs  ;  but  the  great  object  of  our  mission  will  not 
be  accomplished  until  we  have  occupied  seats 
among  the  members  of  the  lodges  who  assemble 
from  week  to  week,  and  exchanged  friendly  greet- 
ings with  the  brethren.  With  such  a  compre- 
hensive work  before  us,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
map  out  our  weekly  routes. 

PROMINENT   MEMBERS    OF   THE    ORDER. 

To  be  set  right  at  the  start,  let  us  ask  counsel  of 
men  of  wisdom  and  experience  in  matters  per- 
taining to  the  Order  in  Boston  and  vicinity.  First 
among  these  is  the  venerable  Grand  Secretary, 
Brother  Charles  D.  Cole,  who  has  a  full  and  cor- 
rect knowledge  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  nearly 
every  lodge  in  the  State.  He  is  a  cyclopaedia  of 
Massachusetts  Odd  Fellowship.  Besides  Brother 
Cole,  we  will  interview  other  high  officials  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Encampment  doing  busi- 
ness in  the  city.  We  may  have  further  opportu- 
nity to  consult  them  at  the  meetings  of  their  re- 
spective lodges.  I  will  introduce  you,  my  brother, 
to  those  with  whom  I  have  had  a  personal  ac- 
quaintance in  years  past. 

Here  are  Brothers  James  M.  Price,  Grand  In- 
structor; William  Marble,  P.  G.  M.;  Thomas  C. 
Porter,  P.  G.  M. ;  Horace  W.  Stickncy,  P.  G.  M., 
at  Lawrence,  Wilde,  &  Company's  store,  Cornhill; 


"THE    HUB."  75 

Wm.  E.  Ford,  P.  G.  M.,  at  the  Public  Library 
building;  Corliss  Wadleigh,  P.  G.  M. ;  Charles 
Hayden,  Grand  Treasurer;  John  U.  Perkins,  P. 
G.  M. ;  Francis  E.  Merriman,  P.  G.  R. ;  Freeman 
O.  Emerson,  Grand  Sentinel  of  the  Grand  Encamp- 
ment; John  P.  Loring,  John  H.  Locke,  and  our 
highly  respected  veteran,  Brother  Horace  Dodd, 
now  past  his  eighty-sixth  birthday.  We  will  rest 
here  beside  him,  at  No.  130  Milk  street,  for  a 
while,  and  converse  with  our  aged  brother.  Listen 
to  the  words  of  wisdom  he  utters.  His  form  is 
bent,  and  his  brow  wrinkled.  You,  my  brother, 
have  heard  the  words  which  are  falling  from  his 
lips  many  a  time.  He  desires  to  place  his  auto- 
graph in  my  book.  Here  it,  is  in  a  plain,  bold 
hand:  "  Horace  Dodd,  —  Nov.  21, '89.  86  years, 
6  Months." 

We  have  received  much  valuable  information 
from  these  brothers,  and  are  now  prepared  to 
make  our  way  through  the  city. 

It  will  be  well  to  devote  a  portion  of  the  time  to 
day  work,  making  the  acquaintance  of  brothers 
at  their  places  of  business,  where  it  will  not  be 
violating  the  rules  of  the  establishment.  I  have 
found  in  my  travels  some  proprietors  who  are 
members  of  the  Order,  kindly  disposed  towards  one 
like  myself,  bound  by  the  links,  so  I  have  adopted 
the  adage,  "  Nothing  venture,  nothing  have." 
We  will  venture  to  ask  permission  to  "  speak  to 
that  young  man." 


j6  ON   THE   ROAD. 


IN   THE   MARKET-PLACES. 

It  is  drawing  near  the  holiday  season.  The  men 
attired  in  long  white  frocks  and  aprons  in  the 
market-stalls  are  rushing  business.  It  may  be  in- 
teresting to  walk  through  Faneuil  Hall  and  Ouincy 
Markets,  and  see  what  is  going  on.  Everything 
looks  neat  and  clean.  Here  are  beef,  pork,  lamb, 
mutton,  veal,  poultry,  butter,  lard,  cheese,  vege- 
tables, fruit,  etc.,  etc.  The  hands  of  the  big  clock 
point  to  10.30.  This  is  the  busy  hour  for  caterers 
and  customers.  Men  and  boys  are  moving  in 
every  direction.  Cut,  saw,  weigh,  pack,  and 
deliver.  See  the  long  line  of  people,  with  baskets 
in  hand,  entering  at  one  door,  pressing  and  crowd- 
ing their  way  through  the  building,  with  eyes 
turned  to  the  right  and  to  the  left,  to  see  and  get 
a  share  of  the  choice  eatables.  Those  fancy-cut 
roasts  and  sirloins  would  tempt  the  most  delicate 
appetite.  Boston  markets  are  ample,  and  meet 
the  demands  of  its  "  good  livers."  See  !  That  man 
in  stall  Number  JJ  is  holding  out  a  card.  He  de- 
sires you  to  take  it.  What  are  the  words  written 
upon  it?     Please  read  them  to  me. 

"  Whatever  jour  name  and  where'er  you  are  found, 
North,  south,  east,  or  west  in  our  nation, 
We  offer  to  you  an  Odd  Fellow's  hand, 
And  an  Odd  Fellow's  congratulation." 

This  means  for  us  to  call  round  for  a  little  chat 
with  Brothers  Dillaway,  Hall,  Huntress,  Richard- 


"THE    HUB."  J? 

son,  Heme,  Lawrence,  and  Rollins  when  they  are 
off  duty  at  noon  hour.  It  is  pleasant  to  make  the 
acquaintance  of  such  genial  brothers  as  these, 
when  among  strangers  in  a  crowded  city.  It  was 
the  three  links  cut  from  the  golden  chain  that 
attracted  the  brother's  attention  and  bade  him 
extend  to  us  this  friendly  greeting. 

The  names  and  words  of  good-cheer  uttered  by 
those  true  brothers  and  friends  shall  have  a  place 
on  the  pages  of  my  book,  to  be  remembered  so 
long  as  my  life  lasts. 

There  is  a  striking  contrast  between  the  real 
character  of  such  men,  who  sometimes  show  a 
rough,  unseemly  exterior  while  they  possess  a 
good,  true  heart  within,  and  those  who  carry 
smiles  and  sunshine  on  their  faces,  but  at  heart 
are  lacking  in  manly  principle.  The  homes  of  the 
two  maybe  closely  joined  on  the  same  lot;  but 
an  ugly  barbed  fence  prevents  crossing  the  line. 

There  are  hundreds  of  genial  souls  in  this  big 
city  whose  pleasant  smiles  and  friendly  acts  would 
smooth  miles  of  life's  rough  highway.  Such  per- 
sons would  most  gladly  "  lend  a  hand  "  to  aid  us  in 
our  work. 

There  is  a  way  to  find  them  out.  We  will  in- 
quire of  Brother  Eugene  H.  Newhall,*  at  the 
American  Express  Company's  office  on  Franklin 
street.  He  can  give  us  a  start.  Here  he  is  at 
his  desk,  busy  as  usual,  but  lays  his  pen  aside  to 
ask:  "  What  can  I  do  for  you,  my  brothers?  "    "We 


78  ON   THE    ROAD. 

want  to  be  put  on  the  track  of  earnest,  interested 
Odd  Fellows."  "  I  am,"  he  says,  "one  of  them  — 
a  member  of  Harmony  Lodge,  Medford. 

"THE   WOODS    ARE   FULL   OF   'EM." 

We  will  spend  a  little  more  time  looking  about 
the  city  before  we  "  flee  to  the  woods." 

Brother  Newhall  has  furnished  me  with  a  list 
of  the  names  of  "  the  boys  "  whom  he  knows  to 
be  all  right  "  on  the  links."  We  will  start  out  on 
the  look-up.  The  first  name  on  the  list  is  Nahum 
Chapin.  Then  come  Edwin  Rollins  Cobb,  W.  F. 
Curtis,  F.  H.  Mudge,  grandson  of  the  late  Alfred 
Mudge,  Grand  Secretary,  C.  L.  Frizzell,  J.  E. 
Davis,  Kilburn  Bills,  Newton  A.  Hoak,  C.  H. 
Murch,  at  No.  119  Atlantic  avenue, —  he  is  near 
akin  to  me  by  marriage,  —  H.  E.  Gilmore,  O.  A. 
Bridgham,  formerly  of  Canton,  Me.,  D.  W.  Web- 
ber and  C.  W.  Patten,  both  formerly  of  Skow- 
hegan,  Me.,  J.  W.  Noble,  formerly  of  Houlton, 
Me.,  James  Folsom,  Samuel  L.  Hodges,  C.  G. 
Kellogg,  Wm.  A.  McCrillis,  Calvin  W.  Sawyer, 
and  E.  P.  Dunham.  Brother  Newhall  says  he 
could  write  the  names  of  hundreds  of  members 
of  lodges  in  Boston  and  vicinity;  but  it  will  be 
much  less  trouble,  and  expedite  our  work  better, 
for  us  to  attend  the  lodge-meetings,  where  we  can 
see  the  brothers  at  their  leisure.  They  will  be 
pleased  to  make  our  acquaintance,  and  will  inter- 


"THE   HUB."  79 

est  themselves  more  readily  in  the  "  Binding  of  the 
Links  "  than  if  they  are  interviewed  at  their  places 
of  business.  We  will  act  upon  the  wise  sugges- 
tion of  our  good  brother,  and  look  after 

VISITING  LODGES. 

Three  lodges  meet  on  Monday  night,  five  on 
Tuesday  night,  two  on  Wednesday,  three  on 
Thursday,  and  three  on  Friday.  To  "  take  in " 
all  these  meetings  will  consume  four  weeks,  every 
night  out  excepting  Saturday. 

We  might  sample  the  lodge-meetings  at  "  Odd 
Fellows  Temple,"  go  the  rounds  of  lodges  in  ses- 
sion each  evening,  drop  in  between  acts,  and  get 
a  general  idea  of  the  manner  of  conducting 
business,  note  the  proficiency  of  the  officers  in 
ritualistic  work,  "get  a  point"  on  the  parapher- 
nalia and  dramatic  rendering. 

As  a  rule,  you  will  find,  my  brother,  strangers 
from  abroad  do  not  get  so  much  enjoyment  out 
of  visiting  lodges  in  large  cities  as  in  towns  and 
villages.  There  appears  to  be  a  lack  of  sociability 
among  city  members  in  most  organizations.  The 
chief  corner-stone  upon  which  our  Order  has 
securely  reposed  for  over  seventy-two  years 
embodies  acts  of  courtesy  and  hospitality.  In 
many  instances  the  accumulation  of  wealth,  mag- 
nificent halls,  and  showy  paraphernalia  constitutes 
the  grand  object  of  lodges  and  encampments. 


8o  ON   THE    ROAD. 

Having  entered  the  circle  of  all  the  city  lodges, 
we  may  be  allowed  to  judge  of  the  genius  that 
composes  their  membership.  To  most  rules  there 
are  exceptions.  With  slight  exceptions  we  are 
happy  in  the  thought  that  but  few  "  black  sheep" 
have  been  admitted  into  the  fold,  among  nearly 
four  thousand  members. 

We  will  return  thanks  to  the  hundreds  of 
brothers  of  the  different  lodges  for  their  kind 
words  and  friendly  acts.  Their  autographs  will 
be  a  pleasing  reminder  of  the  happy  hours  we 
have  passed  among  them. 

There  is  one  lodge  I  wish  to  call  your  attention 
to,  my  brother.  That  is  Hermann,  Number  133. 
Did  you  notice  that  our  German  brothers  gave  us 
special  attention?  How  interestedly  the  officers 
engaged  in  the  initiatory  work !  We  could  not 
understand  the  language ;  but  the  work  was  as 
plain  as  A,  B,  C.  Quite  laughable  —  wasn't  it?  — 
to  be  asked  for  "  a  speech  "  for  the  entertainment 
of  Henry  Mias,  William  Sonntag,  Welkem  Bros- 
gell,  Michland  Gilplis,  Alfred  Boll,  Conrad  Myers, 
George  C.  Harp,  H.  Flister,  William  Heplig,  C.  R. 
Reinhardt,  Frank  J.  Wagner,  and  others,  whose 
dialect  was  babel  to  us  !  They  gave  us  an  atten- 
tive ear,  and  demonstrated  their  appreciation  of 
our  utterances. 

There  are  many  pleasing  incidents  connected 
with  our  visits  to  the  Boston  lodges  which  we 
might    manufactuie    into     ante-room    and   social- 


"THE   HUB."  8 1 

circle  narratives  to  entertain  our  brothers  and 
friends  on  an  "  off  night."  But  we  must  go  on. 
There  are  yet  numbers  of  lodges  in  the  near 
vicinity  of  Boston.     We  want  to  "  take  in  "  the 

LAST   RIDE   ON   THE    OLD    COACHES. 

"Variety,"  they  say,  "is  the  spice  of  life." 
The  various  modes  of  conveyance  in  Boston  allow 
visitors  who  "pay  their  money"  to  "take  their 
choice "  of  nicely  upholstered  coupe,  hackney- 
coach,  herdic,  horse-cars,  steam-cars,  and  lastly 
the  "  'bus."  The  tariff  of  prices  is  graded  accord- 
ing to  the  number  of  wheels  and  style  of  vehicle 
employed.  This  is  the  last  day  of  the  'bus  line 
between  Boston  and 

CHARLESTOWN. 

There  is  to  be  a  grand  exhibition  of  dramatic 
work  in  Olive  Branch  Lodge,  assisted  by  the 
members  of  Howard  and  Bunker  Hill  Lodges 
"degree  team,"  this  evening.  Eight  candidates 
are  to  be  instructed  in  the  mysteries  of  the  second 
degree.  We  have  a  kind  invitation  from  Brother 
XV.  W.  Rich,  Secretary  of  Olive  Branch,  to  be 
present.  This  is  a  fine  large  hall.  The  parapher- 
nalia is  magnificent.  It  is  owned  in  common  by 
the  three  lodges.  There  are  a  large  number 
of  visitors  present  —  representatives    of  city  and 


82  ON   THE    ROAD. 

country  lodges.       The   work  has    been    rendered 
in  a    manner   highly  creditable  to    the   proficient  . 
"  degree  team." 

Yes,  we  will  come  round  and  see  how  "  the 
boys  "  of  Howard  and  Bunker  Hill  perform,  some 
of  these  fine  evenings.  We  came  to  the  Monu- 
ment City  in  the  "  'bus  "  —  four-cent  fare.  With 
the  setting  sun  of  Dec.  16,  1889,  ended  the  faithful 
services  of  weary  men  and  worn-out  horses  on  the 
old  line.  They  are  gone !  gone !  to  return  no 
more. 

SOUTH   BOSTON 

is  easy  of  access,  by  horse  or  steam  cars.  The 
latter  will  accommodate  us  best.  We  will  call  at 
Lawrence,  Wilde,  &  Company's  furnishing-storc, 
Cornhill,  and  Brother  Horace  W.  Stickney,  P.G.M., 
will  post  us  on  the  route.  Here  comes  Brother 
Stickney  down  the  stairs.  He  is  busy  with  cus- 
tomers, but  will  come  this  way  very  soon.  I  shall 
be  happy  to  introduce  you  to  this  most  estimable 
member  of  our  great  fraternity.  I  made  his  ac- 
quaintance in  Bethesda  Lodge  some  nine  years 
ago,  when  I  was  engaged  in  editing  and  publish- 
ing the  "  Odd  Fellows'  Register."  I  found  a  true 
brother  and  kind  friend.  He  has  always  proved 
himself  such  to  me.  He  is  a  strong  pillar  in  the 
temple  of  Odd  Fellowship.  "Brother  Stickney, 
permit  me  to  introduce  to  your  acquaintance 
Brother   Reader,   one  of  the    five    thousand    who 


li 


THE   HUB."  83 


have  journeyed  with  me  by  day  and  by  night  in 
the  valley  of  Jehoshaphat.  We  arc  here  to  get 
direction  as  to  the  exact  location  of  Bcthcsda 
Lodge  place  of  meeting."  "Write  on  this  card,'' 
Brother  Stickney  says.  "Take  a  South  Boston 
Broadway  car,  foot  of  Cornhill  on  Washington 
street,  and  ride  on  Broadway  as  far  as  F  street. 
The  large  brick  building  half  a  square  from  the 
right-hand  corner  is  Odd  Fellows  Block  —  one  of 
the  finest  halls  in  the  State.  Ascend  the  stairs, 
enter  the  spacious  waiting-room,  and  you  will  be 
welcomed  by  Brothers  Pride,  White,  Reed,  Rob- 
bins,  White,  Jones,  Lincoln,  Guthrie,  York, 
Hughs,  Coll,  Hobbs,  Kimball,  Rice,  and  a  score 
of  others.  Give  the  boys  my  compliments,  and 
tell    them  I    sent  you   among  them." 

We  have  followed  our  good  brother's  directions, 
and  found  it  just  as  he  said.  Long  live  old 
Bethesda !     "  So  say  we  all  of  us." 

Hobah  Lodge  meets  in  a  hall  over  a  grocery 
store  on  the  corner  of  Dorchester  and  National 
streets.  The  members  are  waking  up  on  the 
matter  of  a  new  hall ;  their  accommodations  are 
poor.  The  attendance  at  the  weekly  meetings  is 
small.  Brothers  James  Kemp,  Paul  Foss,  F.  D. 
Horr,  and  a  few  others  sustain  the  lodge  and 
care  for  the  sick  members. 

Here  we  are,  near  the  ferry-landing.  It  will 
be  a  favorable  time  to  cross  over  to 


84  ON    THE    ROAD. 


EAST   BOSTON. 

I  will  consult  the  memorandum  given  me  by 
Brother  C.  E.  Durgin,  of  Eastern  Star  Lodge. 
Yes,  the  lodge  meets  on  Wednesday  evening; 
we  are  all  right.  It  is  in  the  brick  block,  Maver- 
ick square.  We  have  plenty  of  leisure  to  call  at 
the  hardware  store  of  Wescott  Brothers,  and  chat 
a  while  with  my  old  friend  "  Jud  "  on  old  times 
at  Peak's  Island,  Maine.  He  is  not  an  Odd 
Fellow;  but  "the  boys  on  the  rail"  remember 
him  as  a  jolly  good  fellow  when  he  manipulated 
the  steam-gauges  over  the  "  P.  &  R."  Brother 
C.  M.  Wescott,  brother  of  my  old  friend,  is  at 
the  door  waiting  to  show  us  round  town.  He 
says,  "  You  will  find  a  number  of  brothers  at  the 
stores  and  shops  as  you  walk  towards  the  hall." 
Here  are  Henry  Smith,  Francis  Murphy,  William 
H.  Rumsey,  and  William  L.  Kingsbury.  This  is 
an  unusual  occurrence,  to  have  every  brother 
place  his  autograph  in  my  book.  I  will  start  on 
a  new  page.  Thirty  names.  They  shall  be  en- 
grossed and  neatly  framed. 

We  will  make  our  next  visit  among  the  brothers 
of  lodges  in 

HISTORIC    CAMBRIDGE. 

The    first   will    be   New  England  Lodge,  at  East 
Cambridge.     The  hall  is  on  the  line  of  the  horse 


"THE   HUB."  85 

railroad.  It  is  only  seven  o'clock,  and  the  door 
is  open.  Here  are  Brothers  Guyer,  Cormach, 
Ryder,  Burton,  Davis,  Moor,  preparing  for  Degree 
work.  They  invite  us  upstairs  to  examine  their 
wardrobe.  Ah !  here  comes  Past  Grand  A.  H. 
Toward,  of  Carrabasset  Lodge,  of  Skowhegan, 
Me.  He  is  employed  in  a  drug-store  in  town. 
I  have  not  met  him  for  more  than  ten  years.  We 
shall  have  an  enjoyable  evening  among  the 
brothers. 

'  A  short  distance  down  the  street  is  the  hall  of 
Friendship  Lodge,  in  the  large  brick  block,  in  that 
part  of  the  city  known  as 

CAMBRIDGEPORT. 

This  fine  building  is  the  headquarters  of  most  of 
the  beneficial  and  fraternal  organizations  in  this 
section  of  Cambridge.  We  are  pleased  to  make 
the  acquaintance  of  Brothers  Follintine,  Hazle- 
wood,  Day,  Hawday,  Mcintosh,  Fish,  Weir,  Rob- 
bins,  and  Corbett,  this  cold  night. 

There  is  nothing  special  in  the  line  of  business 
or  work,  and  the  meeting  closes  at  an  early  hour. 

To-morrow  evening  we  will  visit  Cambridge 
Lodge,  and  speak  a  word  with  Brothers  Stewart, 
Coyle,  Chapin,  Bancroft,  and  Kellen. 

Mount  Sinai  Lodge  meets  at 

NORTH    CAMBRIDGE. 

It    is    a  cold,    stormy    night ;   there    are    but  few 


86  ON   THE   ROAD. 

brothers  present.  In  this  case  it  does  not  depend 
upon  large  numbers  to  make  an  interesting  meet- 
ing, when  we  have  N.  W.  Bunker,  N.G. ;  Charles 
H.  Cutler,  Secretary;  Henry  S.  Davis,  P.G. ;  and 
Brothers  Phelps,  Bowers,  Cofran,  Powers,  Muz- 
zey,  Macdonald,  and  Marshall  to  conduct  the 
"  good  and  welfare."  There  is  one  lodge  close 
by  which  we  can  visit  with  very  little  inconven- 
ience. It  is  Warren,  No.  18.  Communication 
with  that  part  of  the  city  is  ample  for  the  accom- 
modation of  thousands. 

ROXBURY. 

Brother  Dana  B.  Hamlin  gave  me  a  cordial  in- 
vitation to  visit  Warren  Lodge.  I  think  we  had 
better  "  take  it  in  "  this  evening.  Tuesday  is 
the  night  of  meeting.  Take  a  Warren-street  car, 
and  we  ride  very  near  the  hall.  Brother  Hamlin 
is  in  the  banquet  hall,  assisting  the  caterer.  It  is 
the  installation  of  officers.  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master  C.  F.  Brown  and  suite  are  present,  with 
Brothers  J.  J.  Galvin,  C.  A.  Forbush,  George  C. 
Valentine,  H.  H.  Hersey,  and  W.  J.  Bishop,  of 
American  Lodge.  The  brothers  are  "  laying  out  " 
for  a  errand  time.  We  will  ask  to  be  excused,  and 
come  around  to  see  the  brothers  when  they  are 
by  themselves.     Good-night,  brothers  ! 

Our  next  objective  point  is 


THE  hub."  87 


DORCHESTER. 

We  can  board  the  train  for  a  few  minutes'  ride, 
and  stop  at  Lower  Mills  station.  It  is  but  a  short 
walk  to  Dorchester  Lodge  hall.  We  have  to 
ascend  this  steep  hill.  The  condition  of  the  road 
reminds  us  of  the  country,  —  ice,  snow,  and  mud. 
What  is  the  cause  for  so  much  hilarity  in  the 
lower  hall?  I  guess  the  boys  are  having  a  bit  of 
fun.  Brother  Joseph  Wild  heads  the  crowd. 
There  will  hardly  be  standing  room  for  all. 
Brother  A.  A.  Page,  M.  D.  Williams,  George  A. 
Anderson,  Thomas  Clark,  Thomas  Robertson, 
George  A.  Parker,  and  nineteen  others  are  here. 
They  have  each  bought  a  copy  of  "  Binding  of 
the  Links,"  and  placed  their  autographs  on  my 
book.  Six  of  the  brothers  are  Past  Grands.  This 
is  a  good  record  for  Dorchester  Lodge.  Its  official 
report  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the  term  ending 
June  30,  1890,  is  a  good  showing:  224  members; 
36  Past  Grands ;  paid  for  the  relief  of  sick  mem- 
bers, $673.65  ;  receipts  for  the  year,  $1,665.78. 
There  are  two  " strange  men"  Thomas  and  James, 
among  the  membership,  but  they  do  not  interfere 
with  the  harmony  of  the  brothers.  One  is  keeper 
of  the  records,  and  the  other  is  keeper  of  the 
treasury.  This  has  been  a  particularly  interesting 
and  enjoyable  meeting  to  me.  I  wish  every  lodge 
in  the  jurisdiction  had  the    "make-up"   of  such 


88  ON  THE    ROAD. 

wide-awake,  kindly-disposed  members  as  we  have 
met  here  to-night.  The  lodge  can  but  prosper 
and  take  high  rank  among  the  lodges  in  the  old 
Bay  State. 

Yes,  Ave  are  on  our  way  to 

UPIIAM'S    CORNER, 

to  visit  Mount  Pleasant  Lodge.  It  is  dreadful  fo 
be  crowded,  jammed,  actually  squeezed  between 
men  of  two  hundred  and  sixty  pounds  avoirdu- 
pois, to  say  nothing  of  lighter  or  heavier  weight. 
"  Bless  me,  isn't  this  pleasant,  a-riding  on  the 
rail?"  We  shall  get  there  some  time,  if  the  car 
don't  shatter.  Thank  our  stars  !  we  have  reached 
the  long-desired  destination.  This  is  Dorchester 
Heights,  where  Washington  erected  his  batteries, 
which  so  frightened  the  British  one  hundred  and 
fifteen  years  ago.  It  is  appropriately  named. 
Cast  your  eye  over  the  highlands  and  the  bay.  It 
is  a  grand  sight.  Odd  Fellows  Hall  is  over  this 
store.  Brother  H.  G.  Allbright  can  give  us  what 
information  we  desire.  The  hall  is  open.  We 
will  find  more  comfortable  quarters  in  the  ante- 
room than  in  the  streets  among  strangers.  This 
is  not  a  place  of  business.  Almost  all  the  "  men 
folks  "  go  down  town  by  early  morning  convey- 
ance. This  is  a  place  of  rest  for  weary  man  when 
his  day's  work  is  done.  It  has  been  a  long,  tedi- 
ous hour  of  waiting;    but  now  the  janitor  comes 


"  THE    HUB."  89 

to  shed  light  and  give  the  surroundings  a  cheerful 
look.  Brothers  Titus,  Harlow,  Small,  Miller,  Cox, 
and  many  more  have  taken  their  seats,  and  the 
Noble  Grand  proceeds  to  business.  Our  return 
to  the  city  will  not  be  as  full  of  adventure  as  the 
coming. 

You  remember,  Brother  Reader,  our  meeting 
Past  Grand  George  \V.  Richardson  at  Covenant 
Lodge  not  long  ago?  He  is  District  Deputy  in 
Number  34,   and  resides  at 

NEPONSET. 

He  kindly  invited  us  to  visit  Neponset  Lodge. 
The  first  brother  we  meet  is  E.  W.  Chandler, 
formerly  a  resident  of  Farmington,  Me.  This  is 
pleasant  to  find  friends  from  the  old  "  Pine  Tree 
State."  The'  hands  of  the  clock  point  to  9.23. 
We  have  only  seven  minutes  to  get  on  board  the 
last  train  for  the  city;    let  us  be  going. 

The  hall  of  Nonantum  Lodge  years  ago  was 
located   in  ^ 

BRIGHTON. 

During  the  past  year  a  fine  new  hall  has  been 
fitted  up  in  the  National  Bank  building,  near 
Allston.  My  attention  was  first  called  to  matters 
connected  with  the  order  at  this  place  by  a  cor- 
respondent of  the  "Odd  Fellows'  Register,"  who 
furnished  items  of  interest.      Brother  E.  T.  Miller 


90  ON   THE   ROAD. 

at  different  times  sent  lists  of  subscribers  and  ren- 
dered the  editor  of  that  journal  valuable  services. 
I  would  be  pleased  to  visit  the  lodge  and  make 
the  personal  acquaintance  of  the  good  brothers. 
Here  comes  a  car  through  Bowdoin  square 
marked  "  Allston  and  Brighton."  It  will  be  a 
comfortable  ride.  Here  we  are.  See  !  the  hall  is 
only  a  step  from  the  store  on  the  corner.  It  is 
fitted  up  and  furnished  in  fine  style.  By  using  the 
sliding  doors  the  lodge  hall  can  be  enlarged  and 
made  a  spacious  audience-room.  The  brothers 
are  preparing  for  a  large  gathering  to-night.  It  is 
installation  of  officers.  After  the  installation  ser- 
vices a  banquet,  speeches,  and  "  a  good  time  all 
round."  It  will  be  a  late  hour  before  the  festivi- 
ties come  to  an  end.  As  we  are  depending  upon 
steam  or  horse  power  to  convey  us  to  our  resting- 
place  for  the  night,  it  will  not  be  worth  the  little 
enjoyment  we  might  get  out  of  it  to  remain  only 
to  see  the  curtain  rise  ;  we  had  better  bid  Brothers 
Budgell,  Sargent,  Hibbard,  and  Whidden  good- 
night, and  depart  with  the  hope  to  meet  them  all 
again  "  in  friendship's  circles  bright." 

It  seems  to  have  been  the  study  of  the  origina- 
tors of  names  for  Odd  Fellows'  lodges  to  select  the 
longest  and  most  difficult  spoken  Indian  names 
possible.     Here  is  Quinobequin,  located  at 

JAMAICA    PLAIN. 

There  is  no  kick  of  conveyance  or  times  and  sea- 


"THE    HUB." 


sons  for  reaching  Jamaica  Plain  by  the  Old  Colony- 
Railroad,  Providence  Division,  or  by  horse-cars 
starting  from  the  Tremont  House.  Not  knowing 
just  where  the  hall  is  located,  we  will  take  the 
surest  route,  —  by  horse-cars.  The  conductor  is 
well  posted.  It  is  seldom  that  passengers  "  get 
left,"  or  are  carried  far  by  the  point  they  desire 
to  be  "  dropped  "  at.  It  will  be  quite  a  long  ride, 
but  not  a  very  cold  one. 

We  are  nearing  our  journey's  end,  and  will 
make  our  exit  on  the  corner,  near  the  electric  light. 
The  lady  attendant  at  the  store  informs  us  that 
Odd  Fellows  Hall  is  down  the  street,  by  the  rail- 
road station.  It  is  raining,  and  we  shall  have  a 
disagreeable  walk  of  nearly  half  a  mile.  We  have 
ample  time.  The  hall  is  just  opposite  the  station. 
Here  are  stores,  a  market- house,  a  neat  restaurant, 
and  near  by  is  the  post-office.  Quite  a  business- 
like place  this.  We  will  rest  a  while  in  the  rail- 
road station,  and  keep  an  eye  out  for  the  first  ray 
of  light  from  the  transparency  over  the  entrance 
to  the  hall.  The  door  is  open  ;  Past  Grand  James 
A.  Dixon  extends  his  friendly  hand  and  introduces 
us  to  Brothers  Samuel  S.  Marrison  and  James  A. 
Grant.  They  ask,  "What  have  you  here?"  when 
their  eyes  fall  upon  the  likeness  which  embellishes 
the  fly-leaf  of  "  Binding  of  the  Links."  They  say, 
"  We  have  seen  such  as  you  before,"  and  heartily 
welcome  the  veteran  of  forty  years  in  Odd  Fellow- 
ship.    Joseph  Sargent,  Noble  Grand,  is  introducing 


92  ON   THE    ROAD. 

us  to  the  brothers  as  they  enter  the  anteroom : 
Thomas  E.  Hill,  John  P.  Johnson,  Thomas  Henclsy, 
Thomas  Huelatt,  Howard  Trumbull,  Samuel  Gist, 
R.  D.  Barrett,  David  Keezer,  Thomas  B.  Connell, 
Charles  J.  Tupper,  Isaiah  H.  Smith,  VV.  F.  Pea- 
body,  and  Alex.  Miles.  We  find  them  kind,  warm- 
hearted brothers.  The  much-mooted  question  of 
new  furnishing  the  hall  and  infusing  fresh  life  into 
the  lodge  meetings  occupies  a  portion  of  the  time; 
but  matters  that  can  be  attended  to  "  at  any  future 
meeting"  are  set  aside  to  give  an  opportunity  for 
advancing  the  good  of  the  order.  We  will  choose 
a  more  comfortable  and  rapid  mode  of  convey- 
ance on  our  homeward  journey.  A  dozen  steps 
from  the  sidewalk  is  the  train,  ready  for  Boston. 
"  All  aboard  !  "  is  the  word.  Have  we  come  so 
quickly?  Now  for  the  horse-cars  to  Scollay 
square,  and  we  are  "  home  again." 

It  is  Tuesday  night.  We  will  take  the  horse-cars 
this  time  and  make  "  a  sure  thing  "  of  it,  and  ride 
to  the  point  where  we  left  the  track  last  evening. 
It  is  to  visit  Daniel  Hersey  Lodge,  in  Arcanum 
Hall,  on  Centre  street.  WTe  have  passed  the  point 
where  we  stopped  before.  Let  us  enter  this  build- 
ing; perhaps  we  may  "  strike  "  some  one  who  can 
answer  our  challenges.  Yes ;  these  are  Brother 
Frank  Collett's  furniture  and  upholstery  rooms. 
Brother  Collett  extends  a  friendly  hand  of  greet- 
ing, and  bids  us  be  seated.  A  good  oyster  stew, 
for  refreshment  this  cold  night,  will  be  very  accept- 


"the  urn."  93 

able.  We  will  cross  here,  and  see  what  is  going 
on  in  the  hall  over  the  store.  The  janitor  has  a 
big  job  on  his  hands  to  move  all  these  heavy  plat- 
forms, desks,  settees,  etc.,  and  put  the  lodge- 
room  in  order  in  season  for  business.  He  says 
.there  was  eating,  drinking,  and  toasting  in  the  hall 
last  night,  and  his  part  of  the  fun  is  to  clear  up 
and  set  things  to  rights.  The  hall  is  occupied  by 
numerous  fraternal  organizations. 

The  special  business  of  the  meeting  to-night  is 
election  of  officers.  There  is  a  full  attendance, 
and  sufficient  interest  taken  in  the  choice  of 
brothers  who  are  to  administer  the  affairs  of  the 
lodge,  to  make  things  lively.  Some  of  the 
brothers  here  in  the  anteroom  are  eying  me 
closely,  propounding  questions.  One  asks,  "Who 
are  you?  Where  did  you  come  from?  What  is 
the  character  of  '  Binding  of  the  Links  '  "  ?  My  re- 
ply is,  "  I  am  a  State  of  Maine  man ;  was  born  in 
Washington  County,  in  a  small  village  of  less  than 
six  hundred  inhabitants,  sixteen  miles  from  the 
'jumping-off  place.'  Have  seen  years,  and  expe- 
rienced many  solemn  changes."  Brother  C.  K. 
Bullock  is  speaker  for  the  company.  My  answers 
seem  to  be  satisfactory.  The  book  and  pencil 
pass  from  hand  to  hand,  for  autographs.  Here 
they  are  :  John  F.  Wise,  H.  M.  Shaw,  F.  L.  Hitch- 
cock, John  A.  Williams,  L.  H.  Smith,  W.  A.  Den- 
nis,—  all  in  a  plain,  business  hand.  The  speaker 
says,    "A  brother  of  this    lodge    is    from    'away 


94  ON   THE    ROAD. 

down  East.'  Perhaps  you  may  know  each  other. 
There  he  is,  just  entering  the  room."  —  "Which 
one?  "  —  "  That  ministerial-looking  gentleman,  the 
chaplain  of  the  lodge."  —  "I  will  address  him. 
Good-evening,  brother ;  they  say  you  are  from 
'away  down  East'?"  He  says,  "That  is  cor- 
rect." Hear !  He  speaks  the  name  of  the  county, 
the  town,  the  particular  locality,  describes  the 
house  where  he  was  born.  Now  we  will  turn  aside 
from  the  gaze  of  the  astonished  and  somewhat 
interested  spectators,  and  compare  notes  more 
closely.  Yes,  we  were  boys  and  playmates  forty 
years  ago.  This  is  a  moment  of  joyful  reunion, 
after  long  years  of  separation.  He  is  J.  Stilman 
Smith.  His  name  appears  on  the  title-page  of 
this  book.  Dear  Reader,  I  am  pleased  to  intro- 
duce to  your  favor  my  friend  of  early  years.  He 
is  one  with  us  in  the  work  of  benevolence  and 
charity.  Our  little  episode  has  awakened  a  lively 
interest  among  the  members  of  the  lodge,  and 
more  of  the  brothers  desire  to  place  their  auto 
graphs  in  my  book,  and  read  the  story  of  the 
veteran  Odd  Fellow  from  '  away  down  in  Maine.' 
We  will  appropriate  this  page  to  the  chirography 
of  the  brothers:  J.  Wesley  Farmer,  H.  C.  Hamil- 
ton, J.  G.  Sherman,  W.  E.  Brigham,  C.  L.  Gilmah, 
C.  F.  Sturtevant,  George  E.  Brigham,  George  B. 
Dillingham,  W.  F.  Thacher,  J.  P.  Trott,  Charles 
Windhorn,  and  Frank  P.  Walker,  secretary  of  the 
lodge.      The    Noble    Grand    says,  "As  time  and 


SUBURBAN    LODGES    VISITED.  95 

horse-cars  wait  for  no  man,  it  will  be  in  order  for 
visiting  brothers  to  fill  up  the  time  between  the  re- 
ports of  the  tellers  on  balloting,  that  the  members 
may  hear  a  few  words  concerning  Odd  Fellowship 
in  the  early  days  of  its  history."  DanielHersey 
Lodge  bears  the  name  of  the  first  Grand  Master  of 
Massachusetts,  from  the  years  1825  to  1832.  He 
served  his  second  term  from  1841  to  1843. 


Chapter    XII. 

SUBURBAN    LODGES   VISITED. 

We  will  now  make  a  little  change  in  our  pro- 
gramme, and  visit  among  the  brothers  in  "  the 
suburbs,"  as  the  people  at  the  "  Hub  "  speak  of 
large  and  small  places  outside  of  Boston.  There 
are  three  lodges  in 

somerville. 

The  first  one  on  our  list  is  Oasis.  The  hall  is 
on  the  line  of  the  horse  railroad.  I  remember  the 
locality  quite  distinctly,  as  I  visited  the  lodge, 
March    16,    1883.     It    is    Thursday.     The   lodge 


g6  ON   THE    ROAD. 

meets  this  evening;.  The  conductor  is  pointing  to 
the  brick  block  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street. 
Yes,  the  hall  is  in  that  building.  We  will  stand  a 
little  inside  the  doorway,  out  of  the  rain.  It  is 
nearly  7.30,  and  the  janitor  has  not  put  in  an  ap- 
pearance. We  are  accosted  by  three  young  men 
who  are  passing.  They  ask,  "  Is  this  Odd  Fellows 
Hall?"  Here  comes  the  janitor.  We  will  follow 
him  up  the  stairs.  It  is  a  long  winding  flight ;  but 
we  are  on  sure  footing  when  we  reach  the  top 
landing.  The  premises  are  familiar  to  me.  Here 
is  the  same  table  I  sat  at  when  I  registered  my 
name  eight  years  ago.  Brothers  Goss,  Ludwig, 
Ralph,  and  Lowell  are  the  first  to  welcome  us. 
The  degree  staff  is  busy  preparing  for  work. 
Past  Grand  Master  Edward  P.  Banks,  a  veteran 
member  of  Ligonia  Lodge,  Portland,  Me.,  is 
reported  sick  under  charge  of  the  lodge.  A  cold 
rain-storm  has  set  in.  We  will  make  our  visit 
short,  and  return  to  the  city. 

WEST     SOMERVILLE. 

Caleb  Rand  Lodge  is  a  new-comer  among 
the  lodges  in  the  State,  as  its  number,  197, 
signifies.  The  hall  is  nearly  opposite  the  post- 
office.  Take  a  Davis-square  car  at  the  waiting- 
room  at  the  head  of  Green  street.  We  can  ride 
directly  to  the  hall.  I  have  relatives  residing  in 
that  part  of  the  city.      Here  is  a  note  from  a  lady. 


SUBURBAN   LODGES   VISITED.  97 

It  reads  :  "  The  company  of  yourself  and  friend  is 
requested  to  tea  with  us  Tuesday  evening."  We 
will  improve  this  favorable  opportunity  for  a  two- 
fold entertainment  to  mingle  with  old  friends,  and 
make  the  acquaintance  of  the  members  of  Caleb 
Rand  Lodge.  Here  comes  our  car.  We  are 
passing  over  the  same  route  we  travelled  a  few 
evenings  ago,  going  a  few  miles  farther  out  into 
the  skirts  of  the  town.  The  ride  has  been  an 
enjoyable  one,  and  we  are  now  at  the  home  of  my 
relatives,  uncle  and  aunt,  their  son,  his  wife,  and 
three  grandchildren, — down  East  folks.  Loring 
is  not  a  member  of  the  Triple  Links;  but  he  is  a 
"fine  young  man,"  with  scores  of  friends,  many  of 
them  members  of  Caleb  Rand  Lodge.  He  will 
accompany  us  to  the  hall  at  an  early  hour,  and 
introduce  us  to  Franklin  Hobart  and  the  other 
boys.  He  says  he  is  "afraid  of  the  goat;  "  but 
will  go  to  the  outer  door  and  leave  us  with  those 
"who  understand  the  sign."  His  friend  Hobart  is 
not  present;  but  Brother  Campbell  has  us  by  the 
hand.  There  is  nothing  like  being  surrounded  by 
genial  spirits  to  make  one  feel  at  home  and  happy. 
If  outsiders  were  to  hear  the  sound  of  the  merry 
voices,  they  might  suspect  that  some  old  and 
much-respected  member  of  the  Order  had  come 
into  the  circle  after  months  of  absence.  But  the 
truth  of  the  case  is  that  strangers  who  might  have 
met  in  the  whirl  of  busy  life,  meet  here  for  the  first 
time  to-night  about  the  altar  of  Friendship,  Love, 


98  ON   THE    ROAD. 

and  Truth  ;  and  each  in  the  other  finds  a  brother 
and  true  friend. 

Who  is  that  brother  with  my  grip  in  his  hand? 
He  says  he  is  "  a  Boston  runner,"  and  sells  goods 
by  sample.  "  Every  sample  will  count  one  for 
game  in  our  veteran  brother's  pocket."  Step  up, 
boys,  sign  your  name,  and  take  one.  Fall  in  ! 
Brothers  Damery,  Bowlby,  Pipe,  Clement,  Carlson, 
Walker,  Stockwell,  Darling,  Marsh,  McGrath, 
True,  Mitcher,  Keary,  Cutter,  and  Libby.  Caleb 
Rand  Lodge  takes  two  copies  of  "  Binding  of  the 
Links,"  to  start  a  library.  It  has  been  a  good 
and  pleasant  thing  for  the  brothers  to  dwell  to- 
gether in  unity  to-night.  Each  one  has  had  hi^ 
part  of  the  entertainment,  no  one  more  than  the 
"  Globe "  man.  We  will  bid  you  all  a  pleasant 
good-night,  and  ccme  again  some  other  day. 

Paul  Revere  Lodge  meets  in  a  fine  hall  at 

EAST    SOMERVILLE. 

One  half-hour  among  the  small  number  of  mem- 
bers here  to-night  does  not  give  a  fair  showing  of 
the  true  character  of  the  lodge,  or  the  "  make- 
up "  of  the  brothers.  Lodges  are  composed  of 
individual  men,  and  the  character  of  the  body 
depends  upon  the  character  of  those  who  control 
it.  If  such  brothers  as  Towle,  Sanborn,  Webber, 
Dana,  and  Chase  are  fair  representatives  of  Caleb 
Rand  Lodge,  the  afflicted  brother  who  may  appeal 


si  BURBAN    LQDGES    VISITED.  99 

to  it  for  aid  and  sympathy  will  not  be  left  to  die 
by  the  wayside. 

THE  NEWTONS. 

Brother  Boise  asks  why  we  do  not  visit  his  old 
lodge  and  others  on  the  line  of  the  Boston  & 
Albany  Railroad.  It  will  be  well  for  us  to  do  so. 
Let  us  see  on  what  evening  Warban  Lodge  meets. 
Thursday.  It  is  a  pleasant  journey  through  an 
interesting  section  of  the  State.  The  hall  is  across 
the  railroad  track  in  the  block.  Newton  township 
is  very  extensive,  covering  miles  of  territory. 
The  names  of  a  dozen  or  more  post-offices,  and 
the  designation  of  neighborhood  localities,  are 
legion.     This  part  of  the  city  is 

NEWTON. 

The  rain  does  not  improve  the  condition  of  the 
sidewalks  to  those  who  are  unacquainted  with  the 
crossings  when  frequent  trains  are  passing.  The 
hall  will  not  be  open  for  forty  minutes.  We  will 
step  into  this  drug-store  and  make  the  acquaint- 
ance of  the  proprietor.  It  is  Brother  Arthur 
Hudson.  He  is  a  member  of  Newton  Lodge. 
His  bright  coal-fire  is  very  comfortable.  I  see  a 
light  in  the  hall.  Here  is  a  lad  lighting  up  the 
rooms.  I  will  speak  a  word  to  "  draw  him  out." 
"Are  you  an  Odd  Fellow,  my  son?"  —  "  No,  I  am 


IOO  ON    THE    ROAD 

a  boy;  my  father  is  one  of  urn."  Here  comes 
the  secretary,  with  the  big  book  under  his 
arm.  Pie  gives  us  a  hearty  welcome,  and 
says,  "  You  will  find  a  live,  wide-awake  set  of 
Odd  Fellows  here  to-night.  Come  in  and  make 
yourselves  at  home.  I  will  introduce  you  to  every 
brother  as  he  enters  the  hall.  Lay  your  books 
on  my  desk.  You  shall  have  their  autographs." 
Here  they  are  :  Wellington  Howes,  N.G. ;  G.  P. 
Rice,  James  R.  Bobllee,  F.  T.  Macdonald,  IV.  S. 
Ring,  George  H.  Brown,  Madison  Bunker,  L.  F. 
Ashley,  M.  C.  Rich,  A.  H.  Rees,  F.  H.  Parsons, 
George  Manley,  and  H.  G.  Crocker,  formerly  of 
Machias,  Me.  The  time  has  been  occupied  in 
practising  degree  work,  social  talk,  and  exchang- 
ing fraternal  greetings.  We  have  just  time  to 
board  the  train.  We  will  remember  the  brothers' 
kind  invitation  to  come  and  see  them,  February 
5,  when  they  will  "  kill  the  fatted  calf  and  make 
merry." 

It  is  a  short  ride  to 

WEST   NEWTON. 

We  descend  the  hill,  walk  down  the  street  a  few 
rods  past  the  church,  to  get  into  the  business  part 
of  the  village.  It  is  cold  standing  on  the  corner. 
We  will  see  who  keeps  this  market.  An  off-hand 
way  for  a  stranger  to  introduce  himself  to  one 
whom    he    suspects    to    be   an  Odd    Fellow  is  to 


SUBURBAN    LODGES   VISITED.  IOI 

inquire  in  what  part  of  the  town  the  lodge  hall 
is  situated.  Let  us  see  how  it  will  work  in  this 
case.  The  name  of  the  proprietor  of  the  market 
is  C.  E.  Scamman.  He  says  the  hall  is  in  the 
wooden  block  on  Main  street.  He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  Newton  Lodge.  He  has  relatives  in  Port- 
land, Me.     We  have  learned  so  much  by  inquiry. 

There  is  a  church  entertainment  this  evening, 
and  many  of  the  members  of  the  lodge  are  absent. 
Those  present  are  earnest  workers.  The  hour  has 
passed  pleasantly.  The  ladies  of  the  village  have 
established  a  rule  not  to  make  dates  for  local  or 
society  entertainments  on  the  nights  of  lodge  meet- 
ings, when  work  or  important  business  requires 
the  presence  of  the  members.  Such  kind  con- 
sideration on  the  part  of  "  the  gentler  sex "  is 
worthy  of  special  mention,  as  such  instances  are 
rare.  It  will  be  a  source  of  gratification  in  years 
to  come  to  show  our  grandchildren  the  auto- 
graphs of  some  of  the  great  and  good  men  of  old 
Newton.  I  will  ask  Brother  Frank  H.  Humphrey 
to  solicit  names  while  we  retire  to  the  smoking- 
room.  You  enjoy  the  cigar,  Brother  Reader,  but 
I  don't  indulge  in  the  weed ;  but  can  stand  the 
smoke  until  it  gets  so  thick  that  I  can  cut  it  with 
a  knife. 

See  what  a  display  of  names  appear  on  my 
book!  Ober  S..W.  Bailey,  Elijah  A.  Wood,  C. 
Willard  Carter,  Fred.  Lancaster,  F.  H.  Humphrey, 
H.  C.   Hood,  W.   B.  Callagan,  F.   II.   Dutch,   Lo- 


102  ON   THE    ROAD. 

renzo  Gibbs,  C.  M.  Potter,  E.  T.  Wiswall,  F.  H. 
Callagan,  and  F.  H.  Parker,  of  the  Boston  & 
Albany  Railroad.  The  good  brothers  have  our 
thanks  for  the  evening's  entertainment.  We  will 
join  them  in  singing  the  closing  ode,  and  receive 
their  parting  good-night.      One  week  later  we  visit 

NEWTON    HIGHLANDS. 

It  is  queer  that  all  the  lodges  in  the  Newtons  hold 
their  meetings  on  the  same  night  of  the  week,  — 
Thursday.  By  so  doing  there  can  be  but  little 
fraternal  visiting  among  the  members  without  in- 
terference with  lodge  work. 

We  take  the  Boston  &  Albany  car.  A  short 
ride  brings  us  to  one  of  the  many  beautiful  high- 
lands that  surround  Boston  and  the  cities  adjoin- 
ing, with  their  sightly  hills  amidst  pure,  refreshing 
air.  The  hall  of  Home  Lodge  is  over  Brother  F. 
S.  Kempton's  shoe-store.  The  membership  is 
small  and  considerably  scattered.  Some  of  the 
brothers  reside  at  Upper  Falls,  two  miles  farther 
on.  Owing  to  outside  attractions,  there  arc  but 
few  members  present  to-night.  Brother  Amos  L. 
Hall,  one  of  the  old  stand-bys,  has  put  in  his  ap- 
pearance. 1  le  says  there  are  others  from  the 
Falls  coming  to  "  take  a  hand"  in  any  work  there 
may  be  on  the  docket.  The  last  train  for  Boston 
leaves  at  nine  o'clock.  As  there  are  no  hotels  or 
lodging-houses  in  the  place,  we  must  cut  our  visit 


SUBURBAN    LODGES    VISITED.  IO3 

short.      Brothers  Chaffin,   Wild,   Blair,  and  Gates 
are  waiting  to  accompany  us  to  the  station. 

Have  you  relatives  or  friends  residing  in  any 
of  the  cosey  little  villages  on  the  line  of  the  Saugus 
Branch  of  the  Boston  &  Maine  Railroad?  I  re- 
member some  years  ago  stopping  off  at  Maple- 
wood  station,  and  visiting  an  old  friend,  —  a 
brother,  —  not  of  the  mystic  tie,  but  by  law.  We 
had  passed  much  time  together  in  the  city  of  Hal- 
ifax, Nova  Scotia.  Among  other  pleasant  events 
to  be  remembered  during  my  stay  at  his  old  home 
in  that  part  of  the  town,  now  the  busy  city  of 

MALDEN, 

is  the  following :  I  accompanied  him  one  Sun- 
day morning  to  attend  service  at  the  Unitarian 
church.  The  worshippers  occupied  the  hall  of 
Middlesex  Lodge,  I.O.O.F.  That  was  before  I 
had  any  personal  acquaintance  with  members  of 
the  Order  in  the  town.  I  am  sure  we  can  greatly 
enjoy  visiting  the  city  and  meeting  with  the  broth- 
erhood. I  propose  that  we  take  passage  on  the 
10.30  train  and  "  make  a  day  of  it."  This  is  our 
train  standing  on  the  outside  track.  Our  first  stop 
is  at  "  Know  Nothing ;  '  then  Somerville,  West 
Street,  West  Everett,  Bell  Rock.  Here  we  are  at 
Maiden.  I  think  we  can  make  a  cut-off  by  going 
across  the  High-school  lot.  Yes,  here  is  City 
Hall.      Don't   go   in   that   door.     That   is   the   en- 


104  ON  TIIE  RO.vn. 

trance  to  the  police  station.  Chief  Richards 
might  take  us  for  tramps.  I  am  not  sure  that  we 
shall  fare  any  better  in  the  opinion  of  some  folks 
if  we  are  seen  entering  the  office  of  the  Overseers 
of  the  Poor.  The  man  we  are  looking  for  is  one 
of  the  "  City  Fathers."  We  will  enter.  Here  is 
my  old  friend,  Hartshorn.  Brother  H.,  allow  me 
to  introduce  to  you  Mr.  Reader,  a  brother  and 
companion  who  has  journeyed  from  Dan  to  Beer- 
sheba. 

"These  gentlemen,"  Mr.  Hartshorn  says,  "at 
my  right  are  Messrs.  Beals  and  Stiles,  Associate 
Members  of  the  Board."  We  are  pleased  with  the 
manner  of  conducting  the  business  of  the  depart- 
ments of  the  government.  Your  system  is  a  grand 
improvement  over  that  in  vogue  when  we  were 
boys.  A  well-managed  fire  department  is  a  very 
important  palladium  in  city  or  town  organizations. 
We  will  cross  the  street  and  interview  Mr.  S.  B. 
Wilkinson,  at  the  engine-house.  He  may  have 
something  new  to  show  and  tell  us ;  about  the 
modus  operandi  of  the  boys  who  "  run  with  the 
macJiinc'''  Ah  !  I  see  you  are  casting  wistful  eyes 
at  the  "  Hamlin "  in  Robinson's  store  window. 
We  will  step  in  and  learn  what  "Jim"  has  to  say 
for  himself.  Here  is  a  full  line  of  smokers' 
articles.  Select  one  of  the  best.  Brother  Robin- 
son says  if  our  business  is  to  obtain  the  auto- 
graphs of  the  members  of  Middlesex  Lodge,  we 
will  need  to  order  a  book  of  three  hundred  lines. 


SUBURBAN    LODGES    VISITED.  105 

I  shall  be  quite  well  satisfied  to  receive  one-third 
that  number.  The  lodge  meets  to-night.  We  will 
appear  among  the  brothers  and  make  known  our 
desires.  It  is  the  same  hall  I  sat  in  that  Sunday. 
The  preacher  then  occupied  the  platform  where 
Brother  Fred  S.  Langley,  Noble  Grand,  now  stands. 
I    have   succeeded  in  obtaining  these  signatures : 

F.  P.  Cox,  A.  L.  Thompson,  C.  F.  Brooks,  H.  J. 
Kidder,  J.  H.  Hadly,  C.  A.  Davis,  F.  E.  Hub- 
bard, John  M.  Keen,  C.  A.  Randall,  Edwin  T. 
Newhall,  P.  V.  Wing,  C.  E.  Fuller,  and  Fred  M. 
Noyes.  There  will  be  many  more  to  follow  when 
the  long-talked-of  event  takes  place;  namely,  the 
institution  of  Maiden  Lodge,  No.  201.  We  are 
here  on  that  day  with  brothers  from  various  parts 
of  the  State.  It  is  the  biggest  snow-storm  of  the 
season.  Grand  Master  Edward  H.  Kavanagh 
officiates.     He    is    assisted    by  Jay  B.    Crawford, 

G.  Warden  ;  John  F.  Morgan,  G.  Marshal ;  Julius 
L.  Clarke,  G.  Treasurer ;  Wm.  Parkman,  G.  Chap- 
lain ;  Charles  D.  Cole,  G.  Secretary ;  Rufus  B. 
Gifford,  P.  G.  Representative;  Wm.  A.  McCrillis, 
D.D.G.M. ;  Calvin  W.  Sawyer,  J.  Lawrence  Martin, 
A.  G.  Brooks,  and  Frank  P.  Sawyer,  Past  Grands. 

These  are  the  charter  members :  Florence  D. 
Tobin,  Winslow  B.  Southworth,  Geo.  E.  Hanscom, 
Wm.  F.  Dusseault,  Solomon  A.  Howe,  Jr.,  Mar- 
cellus  Coggan,  Walter  S.  Hopkins,  Geo.  W.  Haz- 
ard, Wm.  T.  Hill,  Chas.  F.  Pinney,  John  Howland, 
Geo.   F.   Erskine,   Edwin   M.  Shepherd,  Chas.  P. 


106  ON    THE    ROAD. 

Lyford,  Bcnj.  Hill,  Edward  M.  Storr,  Robt.  Mc- 
Donald, William  R.  West,  Moses  E.  Chandler, 
George  W.  Lewis,  Albert  L.  Decatur,  William  C. 
Demain. 

The  following  officers  are  installed :  Geo.  E. 
Hanscom,  N.G.;  Wm.  T.  Hill,  V.G. ;  John  How- 
land,  Secretary;  Geo.  W.  Lewis,  P.  Secretary; 
Chas.  F.  Pinney,  Treasurer. 

The  lodge  is  in  District  No.  37,  Wm.  A.  Mc- 
Crillis,  D.  D.  G.  Master. 

The  storm  is  becoming  more  furious.  We  had 
better  take  the  first  train  for  Boston,  and  get  into 
comfortable  quarters  before  night  overtakes  us. 

We  take  the  car  in  Bowdoin  square  for 

WATERTOWN. 

L.  C.  Creamer,  formerly  of  Portland,  Me.,  is 
conductor.  He  has  the  links  on  his  necktie.  We 
are  in  good  hands.  He  will  make  the  journey 
pleasant  and  safe.  We  can  have  our  choice, — to 
go  by  steam  or  horse  cars.  The  latter  route  passes 
through  an  interesting  section  of  the  State,  and 
will  afford  us  a  greater  variety  of  scenery.  We 
cross  the  railroad  track  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  and 
then  we  are  in  the  village.  D.  A.  S.  Barker  is 
Secretary  of  Lafayette  Lodge.  We  will  look  him 
up  and  "  get  some  points  "  on  the  village.  Here 
are  S.  Albert  Gregg  and  C.  H.  Rollins.  They  tell 
us  to  call  on  H.  E.  Dadmun,  superintendent  at  the 


SUBURBAN    LODGES    VISITED.  \OJ 

stove  foundry.  He  can  direct  us,  and  hosts  of 
the  boys  in  that  establishment.  "Take  this  card, 
brother,"  Dadmun  says;  "go  in  that  door,  and  in- 
quire for  John  Ripley,  W.  N.  Newcomb,  Warren 
Taylor,  G.  B.  Moore,  and  Getchell  Maston.  They 
are  all  members  of  the  Order."  It  has  been  done 
as  he  bid  us,  and  still  there  is  room  for  more.  We 
will  wait  until  the -brothers  assemble  at  the  lodge. 
Yes,  it  is  tiresome  walking  about  town.  We  will 
rest  a  while  in  the  variety  store  with  Brother  A.  C. 
Fletcher.    He  is  very  pleasant  and  social. 

The  lodge  hall  is  open.  We  will  enter.  Here 
are  three  brothers  in  the  anteroom  enjoying  a 
smoke.  They  are  curious  to  know  the  contents  of 
my  grip.  Brother  Newcomb  is  telling  the  boys  a 
little  story  about  his  experience,  years  ago,  in  a 
small  village  away  down  in  the  eastern  part  of 
Maine,  where  he  worked  for  a  man  of  the  same 
name  as  the  author;  and  Brother  McPherson 
makes  known  the  place  of  his  birth  to  be  eighteen 
miles  up  "  the  Schoodic,"  in  the  picturesque  village 
of  Robbinston.  Well,  well,  this  is  funny!  three 
down-easters  have  accidentally  met  here  to-night 
in  this  circle  of  brothers.  To  make  the  record 
complete,  we  will  ask  H.  A.  Powall,  Noble  Grand, 
Charles  A.  Gregg,  and  John  A.  Evans,  Past 
Grands,  to  place  their  names  on  the  list. 

It  is  raining  hard.  We  have  to  hurry  to  get  the 
car.  There  are  not  very  many  passengers.  We 
shall  make  a  quick  run  into  Boston. 


IOS  ON    THE    ROAD. 

If  the  weather  clears  up  we  will  go  to 

EVERETT 

this  evening.  We  take  a  through-line  car  to  the 
square,  near  the  hall  of  Everett  Lodge.  It  is 
degree  work,  supper,  toasting ;  and  it  is  kept  up 
until  midnight.  Brothers  Schofield,  Baker,  and 
Virgin  give  us  a  kind  invitation  to  come  and  see 
them  again. 

Who  says  the  members  of  Prospect  Lodge  are 
not  a  wide-awake  set  of  fellows  ?  The  Lodge  is  in 
the  city  of 

WALTHAM, 

where  people  are  closely  watched.  We  board  the 
train  at  the  Fitchburg  depot.  It  is  only  a  short 
ride.  The  business  part  of  the  city  is  on  both 
sides  of  the  river.  We  will  inquire  of  the  man  on 
the  corner  with  the  badge  on  his  breast  where  to 
find  the  hall  of  Prospect  Lodge.  We  have  hit  him 
just  right.  His  name  is  Charles  E.  Cater.  He 
says  he  is  "one  of  the  boys,"  and  will  take  us  in 
charge  —  not  to  the  station  —  and  conduct  us  to 
an  inn.  Some  one  with  a  black  eye  is  calling  to 
our  escort.  He  leaves  us —  not  alone  — for  here 
we  have  Brother  D.  M.  Spaulding.  He  directs  us 
to  the  place  of  rest  and  refreshment  kept  by 
Brother  George  K.  Field,  around  the  corner,  in  the 
basement  of  this  building.     It  is  just  as  Brother 


SUBURBAN    LpDGES    VISITKh.  109 

Field  represented,  —  a  full  attendance;  live  lodge, 
full  of  business,  and  growing  rapidly.  I  have  the 
autographs  of  thirty  brothers  on  a  parchment  roll 
piesented  by  the  committee  of  entertainment.  It 
is  a  long  list,  and  I  will  not  occupy  your  time  by 
reading  all  the  names,  —  Robert  Robinson,  F.  A., 
Perry,  Jr.,  Everett  Skinner,  F.  E.  McLellan,  W.  T. 
Robinson,  T.  W.  Temple.  The  train  leaves  at  ten 
o'clock.  We  must  leave  this  pleasant  company  to 
reach  the  station  in  five  minutes.  As  we  will  have 
no  better  time  to  visit  Governor  Gore  Lodge  than 
now  while  we  are  in  the  city,  let  us  do  the  "  Rip 
Van  Winkle  "  act,  and  rest  in  the  arms  of  Morpheus 
until  December  1 1,  1S90,  to  find  ourselves  ascend- 
ing the  long  flight  of  stairs  in  the  block,  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river  from  where  we  parted 
with  the  brothers  of  Prospect  Lodge  ten  months 
ago.  Here  are  a  goodly  number  of  the  Governor 
Gore  boys  assembled  in  the  anteroom.  The  hall 
is  of  large  dimensions,  handsomely  fitted  up,  and 
furnished  in  fine  style.  The  lodge  is  young,  com- 
posed of  members  fired  with  zeal  for  the  promotion 
of  brotherly  love  and  charity.  Visitors  are  cordially 
welcome.  I  met  in  my  travels  Brother  J.  Fred. 
Vinal,  a  member  of  the  lodge,  some  months  ago. 
If  he  is  a  specimen  of  the  make-up  of  the  lodge,  I 
am  sure  we  shall  pass  an  enjoyable  evening  in  the 
company  of  such  jovial  fellows.  C.  C.  Symons  is 
Noble  Grand.  There  are  twenty-five  members 
present,    a   good   number    when  there   is    nothing 


I  IO  ON   THE    ROM  i. 

special  to  call  the  brothers  out  in  such  cold,  un- 
comfortable weather.  It  is  proposed  that  every 
member  in  the  lodge  have  a  word  to  say.  The 
question  is:  Who  shall  begin?  Let  us  commence 
at  the  right  of  the  Noble  Grand  with  Charles  N. 
Rice;  then  come  H.  J.  Beattie,  J.  Lincoln  Moody, 
E.  D.  Clarke,  Herbert  L.  Foster,  Samuel  Bowers, 
Cyril  E.  Brown,  Jr.,  G.  L.  Baker,  G.  W.  Rogers, 
W.  W.  Frazer,  M.  E.  Davis,  F.  P.  McClary,  G.  A. 
Costello,  N.  D.  Johnson,  F.  O.  Hicks,  Frank  B. 
Davis.  It  has  been  a  meeting  for  the  good  and 
welfare  of  the  lodge.  The  speeches  were  all  short 
and  interesting.  The  brothers  were  not  afraid  to 
use  their  vocal  powers.  Many  of  the  remarks 
teemed  with  wit  and  humor.  "A  little  nonsense 
now  and  then  is  relished  by  the  best  of  men." 
We  are  invited  to  accompany  Brother  Herbert  L. 
Foster  to  his  home  to  spend  the  night.  With  his 
and  your  assistance,  Brother  Reader,  over  the  icy 
sidewalk,  I  think  we  can  make  our  way  without 
difficulty.     "  Good-night,  brothers  !  " 


One  evening,  while  seated  in  the  library-room 
in  Odd  Fellows  Hall,  515  Tremont  street,  Boston, 
I  made  the  acquaintance  of  Brother  John  Malcom, 
formerly  a  resident  of  Fairfield,  Me.  Of  late 
years  he  has  made  his  home  in  West  Ouincy. 
He  is  a  member  of  Mount  Wollaston  Lodge, 


SUBURBAN    LODGES    VISITED.  Ill 


QUINCY. 

He  gave  me  a  pressing  invitation  to  visit  the  lodge 
at  my  earliest  convenience.  Suppose  we  make  it 
our  place  for  this  evening.  It  is  a  few  stations 
out  on  the  Old  Colony  road.  It  is  quite  a  little 
walk  from  the  station  up  into  the  business  part  of 
the  city.  Here  is  a  large  new  block,  erected  since 
the  time  of  my  visit.  Odd  Fellows  Hall  is  in  this 
building  with  the  large  oval  windows.  The  post- 
office  used  to  be  in  the  corner  store  in  the  block, 
near  the  drug-store.  It  is  now  on  the  other  side 
of  the  street,  kept  by  W.  W.  Adams,  a  relative  of 
the  late  ex- President,  J.  Q.  Adams.  We  will  go 
down  on  the  back  street  and  interview  Brother  A. 
W.  Stetson  at  his  store,  and  find  out  in  what  part 
of  the  town  Brother  Malcom  resides.  This  rain  is 
disagreeable.  We  have  to  take  a  car  and  ride  to 
West  Quincy.  Brother  Malcom's  house  is  No.  3 
Hill  street.  It  is  a  new  street  lately  cut  through 
the  woods.  Horrid  muddy  walking.  I  think  that 
is  Mrs.  Malcom  standing  at  the  open  door.  John 
has  probably  informed  her  that  we  might  possibly 
call  to-day.  He  is  at  work  in  the  quarries.  Our 
surmises  are  correct.  We  are  pleased  to  make 
the  acquaintance  of  the  lady,  and  enjoy  a  social 
chat  with  our  brother  from  Maine.  He  proposes 
that  we  take  an  early  supper  and  go  to  the  city. 
The  next  car   will   arrive  at  the  hall  before  eight 


112  ON    THE    ROAD. 

o'clock.  Here  are  Brothers  Souther,  Brewer, 
Worcester,  Burke,  and  Campbell  in  the  ante- 
room. We  are  pleased  to  make  their  acquaint- 
ance ;  also  that  of  Charles  L.  Orno,  Noble  Grand. 
This  is  a  fine  new  hall.  The  question  of  placing 
a  conspicuous  sign  across  the  front  of  the  hall, 
between  the  large  windows,  bearing  the  name,  num- 
ber, and.  appropriate  emblems  of  the  order,  is  dis- 
cussed by  Brothers  McKay,  Elliott,  Hobart,  Miller, 
and  others.  Secretary  Fred.  F.  Green  has  little  to 
say,  but  keeps  on  jotting  down  the  business  trans- 
actions of  the  meeting.  Yes,  Brother  Mai  com,  it 
is  such  an  unpropitious  evening  that  we  most 
gladly  accept  your  kind  invitation  to  return  to 
your  comfortable  home  and  rest  for  the  night. 
The  bell  calls  for  breakfast.  Brother  Reader,  can 
you  tell  me  what  it  is  the  sign  of  to  find  money 
under  your  plate  at  breakfast  ?  Brother  Reader  is 
very  funny  in  his  answer.  He  says,  "  It  is  a  sign 
you  have  got  the  coin,  isn't  it?"  I  will  venture 
to  guess  that  it  is  a  sign  that  our  kind  hostess  has 
been  out  among  the  neighbors,  whose  husbands 
are  Odd  Fellows,  and  sold  three  copies  of  "  Bind- 
ing of  the  Links  "  before  we  had  left  our  comfort- 
able beds.  God  bless  the  women  !  The  world 
would  be  barren  of  joy  without  them. 

As  this  is  a  life  of  activity  and  unrest,  we  shall 
not  reach  the  end  of  these  days'  and  nights'  jour- 
neyings  until  the  entire  State  is  traversed.  Here 
is  the  name  of  the  town  we  visit  to-morrow,  — 


SUBURBAN    LODGES    VISITED.  I  I  3 


MILFORD. 

It  is  on  a  branch  of  the  Boston  &  Albany  road. 
This  is  agreeable  to  me,  as  I  have  relatives  and 
friends  residing  there.  There  are  lodges  in  three 
places  on  the  route  we  shall  travel.  We  can  "  take 
them  all  in  "  very  conveniently.  It  is  nearly 
twenty  years  since  I  last  visited  the  town  of  Mil- 
ford.  The  late  Thomas  C.  Eastman,  a  prominent 
and  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  the  place,  was  a 
native  of  the  village  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river  to  my  boyhood's  home,  in  Maine.  He 
was  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  paper  boxes 
and  employed  a  large  number  of  hands  and 
extensive  machinery.  After  his  decease,  some 
four  years  ago,  his  brother,  S.  Alden  Eastman, 
continued  the  business  in  conipany  with  Edward 
Hobart,  a  relative  from  the  same  little  village  in 
Maine.  I  should  like  to  go  there  and  look  over 
the  old  grounds.  Here  we  are  at  the  station.  I 
am  a  little  confused  and  hardly  know  in  which 
direction  to  go.  We  will  inquire  of-  the  station 
agent.  Yes,  that  is  so,  we  do  go  down  the  street. 
There  is  the  mill.  The  sign  over  the  door  reads, 
"  Eastman  &  Hobart."  Alden  is  smiling  blandly. 
He  is  not  a  member  of  our  Order,  but  has  reached 
a  high  round  in  the  ladder  of  Free  and  Accepted 
Masonry.  Most  Eminent  Commander,  K.T.  Is 
that  the  title?  Business  of  importance  demands 
our  attention,  and  we  have  but  little  time  to   give 


114  0N   THE    ROAD. 

to  it,  so  let  us  be  "  up  and  doing."  We  will  enter 
the  mill  and  speak  a  word  with  W.  H.  Carpenter 
and  Joseph  Bassett.  They  are  "  our  kind."  They 
invite  us  to  attend  the  lodge  meeting  this  evening. 
Its  name  is  another  of  the  jaw-breaking  kind, 
"  Tisquantum."  J.  M.  French  is  Noble  Grand; 
William  Malcom,  Vice-Grand;  George  H.  Manly, 
Secretary.  It  speaks  well  for  the  character  of  the 
lodge  to  see  so  many  Past  Grands  present  among 
so  few  members  to-night.  The  music  and  dancing 
are  enticing  to  the  young  men  and  maidens.  We 
will  return  over  the  same  route  we  came  yesterday, 
and  stop  at  the  grand  railroad  centre, 

SOUTH     FRAMINGHAM. 

I  have  no  personal  acquaintance  with  members  of 
the  Order  in  this  town.  Years  ago  I  frequently 
received  communications  from  a  member  of 
Framingham  Lodge,  when  I  was  engaged  in 
publishing  the  "  Odd  Fellows'  Register."  It  was 
Brother  William  Murphy,  an  employee  of  the  Old 
Colony  Railroad.  I  will  inquire  of  the  station 
agent  about  him.  Yes.  He  is  up  in  the  yard  at 
work  on  the  "  shifter."  This  is  "  all  fools'  day." 
We  shall  have  to  keep  our  eyes  open  so  that,  we 
do  not  "  get  sold." 

I  dare  ask  the  yard-master  where  we  can  find 
Brother  Murphy.  "That  is,"  he  says,  "the  man 
you  are  looking  for,  standing  by  the  flag  station." 


SUBURBAN    LODGES    VISITED.  I  I  5 

Right  he  is.  I  recognize  the  autograph.  I  have 
seen  it  so  many  times  on  letters  bearing  messages 
of  kind  regard  and  postal-notes  for  the  payment 
of  subscriptions  of  patrons  of  the  "  Odd  Fellows' 
Register."  Brother  Murphy  is  in  the  service  of 
the  railroad  company,  and  cannot  vacate  his  post 
of  duty.  He  tells  us  where  we  can  find  Wright 
Summers,  Noble  Grand,  and  Brother  Collins,  in  the 
freight  depot.  They  in  turn  direct  us  to  Harding's 
straw  manufactory,  where  we  shall  find  Brothers 
J.  A.  Gleason,  L.  H.  Billings,  S.  M.  Pooler,  and 
others.  -Ah  !  this  is  Brother  Pooler,  my  old  brother 
and  friend,  whom  I  used  to  know  years  ago  in 
Skowhegan,   Me. 

Brother  Reader,  I  am  pleased  to  introduce  you 
to  this  good  brother.  We  shall  enjoy  an  hour  of 
social  chatting  on  old-time  events.  The  lodge 
hall  is  on  Hollis  street.  We  will  follow  the 
brothers  as  they  ascend  the  stairs.  Who  is 
that  brother  closely  wrapped  in  an  ulster  coat, 
supported  by  a  staff?  Yes,  he  is  Past  Grand 
Master  Thomas  C.  Porter,  whom  I  met  in  Boston 
a  short  time  ago.  He  has  been  "under  the 
weather"  of  late.  This  is  the  first  time  he  has 
met  with  the  brothers  in  lodge  meeting  for  a 
number  of  weeks.  My  good  brother,  I  thank  you 
for  the  kind  words  you  have  spoken  in  our  behalf. 
I  wish  you  might  remain  to  enjoy  the  meeting. 
But  if  you  must  go,  may  joy  and  peace  go  witfo 
you.     Good-night ! 


I  1 6  ON   THE    ROAD, 

Here  arc  a  lively  lot  of  boys  :  Towne,  Chapman, 
Adams,  Waterman,  Tibbetts,  Johnson,  Cutting, 
Merriam,  Fales,  Bartcau,  Douglass,  Rose,  Stone, 
Lang,  Bruce,  Lyons,  Herbert,  Whitman,  Kalcr, 
Clapp,  Adams,  and  Bagicr,  of  West  Concord,  Vt. 
Brother  Pooler  has  invited  us  to  follow  him  to  a 
place  of  rest  under  the  shadow  of  his  roof. 

The  time  spent  in  company  with  Brother  Pooler 
and  his  estimable  wife  lias  been  full  of  pleasure.     . 
It  brought  freshly  to  memory  the  events  of  more 
than  sixteen  years  ago,  "when  the  editor  sat  in  his 
sanctum." 


Chapter  XIII. 
RETURN  TO   MAINE. 

"  I  love  her  rocks  and  rills, 
Her  woods  and  templed  hills." 

We  must  heed  the  call  of  friends  at  home,  and 
cross  again  the  boundary  line  of  States  to  meet 
those  who  have  claims  upon  our  time  and  atten- 
tion. We  can  spend  all  day  in  Boston,  and  take 
the  steamer  atseven  o'clock.  It  will  be  pleasant  on 
the  water  to-night.  It  is  the  steamer  "Tremont." 
She  will  make  a  quick  run.  How  delightful  to  be 
"  recked  in  the  cradle  of  the  deep,''  quietly  sleep- 
ing,   while    every    moment    drawing    nearer    and 


RETURN   TO    MAINE.  I  I  7 

nearer  "  home,  sweet  home."  Here  we  are,  safely- 
moored  at  the  pier.  It  is  3.30  o'clock.  We  can- 
not yet  discern  anything  through  the  gray  of  the 
morning. 

Brother  Reader,  I  have  greatly  enjoyed  your 
company  along  our  journey.  You  will  permit  me 
to  enter  my  home  to  pass  a  season  with  family 
and  friends.  When  I  start  again  on  my  travels, 
I  shall  be  pleased  to  have  you  accompany  me. 

I   AM   ALL   READY. 

It  is  six  days  since  I  parted  from  you,  Brother 
Reader.  I  am  rested  and  prepared  to  start  on 
another  tour.  If  you  are  so  minded  you  can  pack 
your  grip  and  we  will  board  the  train  at  the  Union 
station  for  a  passage  to  the  ship-building  city  of 

BATH. 

You  no  doubt  recall  the  stations  we  are  passing 
as  the  same  which  we  passed  when  we  were  jour- 
neying to  Rockland  and  the  towns  along  the 
coast.  If  you  are  interested  in  the  construction 
of  large  ships,  steam-boats,  and  small  sea-going 
crafts,  you  will  find  plenty  to  occupy  your  atten- 
tion up  and  down  the  banks  of  this  river.  A 
launching  is  no  novel  sight  to  the  dwellers  here 
about.  It  will  be  a  difficult  matter  to  climb  these 
high  stagings  to  the  deck  of  the  ship,  so  we  will 


I  IS  ON   THE    ROAD. 

have  to  be  content  with  conversing  with  the  work- 
men at  noon  hour.  We  will  walk  clown  Main 
street  and  call  on  Brother  V.  P.  Emery,  Secretary 
of  Lincoln  Lodge.  He  can  direct  us  to  the  busi- 
ness portion  of  the  city.  We  have  a  fine  view  of 
the  ship-yards  from  this  high  embankment. 
Brother  Emery  is  at  the  grocery  store  and  market 
down  the  street.  lie  has  just  driven  up  to  the 
door.  He  says  "  the  boys "  in  the  foundry  are 
"  all  right."  We  will  go  through  this  passageway 
by  the  back  entrance  of  the  foundry.  Here  they 
are,  pouring  the  red-hot  metal  into  the  moulds. 
They  recognize  the  one  who  has  met  them  in  the 
same  place  in  years  gone  by.  Here  they  come, 
Brothers  Humphries,  Flinelling,  Barton,  Hall,  and 
Dunham.  We  will  meet  scores  of  them  at  the 
lodge   to-night. 

What  is  all  this  conversation  about?  Brother 
Harraman  and  Charles  McFarland  ask  if  we 
have  seen  a  copy  of  the  Boston  "  Daily  Globe  "  con- 
taining a  likeness  of  the  man  who  claims  to  be  the 
author  of  "  Binding  of  the  Links  ;  a  Story  of  Forty 
Years  in  Odd  Fellowship,"  with  a  column  notice 
of  the  book.  They  are  trying  to  come  some  of 
their  "  funny  business,"  and  say  they  "  are  going 
to  read  the  exposure  published  in  the  paper  in 
open  lodge."  This  is  what  they  are  driving  at. 
This  paragraph  in  the  "  Globe"  published  to-day: 
"  For  nearly  ten  years  the  people  of  Portland  have 
been  familiar  with  the  personal  appearance  of  an 


RETURN   To    MAINE.  I  1 9 

old,  badly-crippled  man,  seen  everywhere,  always 
at  work,  never  despondent,  and  strangely  enough, 
quick  and  active  in  all  his  motions,  a  man  who 
bears  many  burdens  with  surprising  brightness  of 
spirit,  and  who  has  done  a  good  deal  of  hard 
work. 

"  Every  Odd  Fellow  in  this  State,  and  many 
through  New  England,  know  Cyrus  Hamlin 
Kilby,  P.G.  and  P.C.P.,  and  in  his  way,  and, 
for  that  matter,  in  many  ways,  a  noted  man.  Few 
have  been  more  devoted  to  Odd  Fellowship  than 
he,  and  no  man  ever  fought  the  battle  of  life 
better. 

"  Mr.  Kilby  has  been  reporter,  editor,  corre- 
spondent, and  publisher,  always  a  worker,  and  is 
now  selling  his  latest  book,  'Binding  of  the 
Links ;  a  Story  of  Forty  Years  in  Odd  Fellow- 
ship.' " 

That  came  from  the  pen  of  the  Portland  corre- 
spondent of  the  Boston  "  Globe."  We  are  glad  if  we 
have  in  any  way  contributed  to  the  interest  of  the 
meeting,  and,  more  than  all,  we  are  pleased  to 
learn  that  old  Lincoln  Lodge  is  prosperous  and 
doing  a  work  for  humanity.  After  receiving  such  a 
cordial  welcome  from  the  brothers,  and  being 
favored  with  forty-six  of  their  autographs,  we  feel 
well  satisfied  with  our  visit,  and  depart  with  their 
gracious  benediction.  Our  next  stopping-place 
will  be 


120  ON    THE    ROAD. 


BRUNSWICK, 


the  college  home  of  many  distinguished  men  of 
learning  and  high  repute  in  the  nation.  It  is  a 
city  with  large  natural  endowments.  Pejepscot 
Lodge  was  instituted  June  13,  1844,  in  less  than 
ten  months  after  the  Order  was  introduced  into 
Maine.  It  numbers  nearly  two  hundred  members, 
and  is  financially  and  socially  sound.  Let  us  take 
the  noon  train  and  spend  a  part  of  the  day  among 
brothers.  In  a  direct  line  from  the  station,  across 
the  park,  we  can  find  Brother  O.  A.  Corey,  Noble 
Grand,  at  the  coal-office.  He  has  received  us 
cordially;  his  business  calls  him  away,  but  he 
kindly  directs  us  to  Brothers  Graves,  Knight, 
Given,  Snow  Brothers,  Jordan,  Townsden,  Rob- 
erts, Hall,  Read,  Strout,  Shackford,  Purinton,  and 
others.  We  have  time  to  walk  up  on  the  college 
grounds  before  taking  the  train  for  the  capital 
city.  Forty-six  years  ago  I  visited  this  place 
on  a  Commencement  day.  I  will  point  you  out 
the  initials  of  my  deceased  brother's  name,  a  grad- 
uate of  '42,  cut,  among  others,  about  the  window- 
casings.  Here  are  the  letters,  "J.  D.  K."  We 
will  now  return  to  the  station  and  proceed  on  to 

AUGUSTA. 

We  have  an  opportunity  here  to  note  the  changes 
and    public   improvements    about    the   city.     This 


RETURN   TO    MAINE.  12  1 

elegant  granite  structure,  the  U.S.  Post-Office  build- 
ing, is  an  ornament  to  the  city.  The  enlargement 
and  grand  improvement  of  the  State  Capitol  build- 
ings is  a  matter  of  public  interest  and  pride.  The 
legislators  of  Maine  have  shown  themselves  wise 
and  far-sighted  to  decree  that  henceforth  Augusta 
shall  be  the  seat  of  government.  The  legislative 
halls  and  senate  chambers  have  been  fitted  up  in 
style  in  keeping  with  the  dignity  of  the  men  who 
are  to  occupy  them  in  the  years  to  come. 

Here  is  the  publishing  office  of  the  "  Maine 
Farmer."  Let  us  look  in  and  say  good-morning 
to  my  friend  and  old  newspaper  brother,  Howard 
Owen.  He  is  associate  editor  of  this  valuable 
agricultural  journal.  He  was  one  of  the  large 
party,  members  of  the  Maine  Press  Association, 
who  made  an  enjoyable  excursion  to  Quebec  in 
1878.  Since  that  time  I  have  passed  many  pleas- 
ant hours  in  Mr.  Owen's  society. 

This  evening  Asylum  Lodge  holds  its  regular 
meeting  in  the  new  hall  on  Winthrop  street.  It  is 
six  years  since  I  met  with  the  brothers.  We  shall 
find  them  an  earnest,  wide-awake  lot  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows. This  is  a  magnificent  hall,  fully  up  to  the 
description  given  of  it  in  the  "  City  Journal "  and 
State  papers.  Here  is  Past  Grand  Master  R.  B. 
Capin,  a  brother  of  my  old  acquaintance.  We  are 
to  have  an  opportunity  to  witness  the  work  of  the 
second  degree  by  a  proficient  team.  How  am  I 
to  manage  to  obtain  the  autographs  of  the  forty- 


122  ON   THE    ROAD. 

eight  brothers?  Their  names  will  cover  four  pages 
of  my  book.  I  will  invite  them  to  spread  out  large 
in  double  columns  on  this  sheet  of  foolscap  fur- 
nished by  the  secretary.  Brother  Blackwell  heads 
the  list,  followed  by  Small,  Hunt,  McCausland, 
Weeks,  Beals,  Pond,  Turner,  Bourne,  Libby,  Smith, 
Merrill,  Masoite,  Meald,  Howard,  Griffith,  Ridout, 
and  many  others. 

Believing  that  a  comfortable  night's  rest  at  the 
home  of  our  hospitable  friends,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Brown,  on  Winthrop  street,  will  be  beneficial  to 
weary  man,  I  feel  a  strong  desire  to  avail  myself 
of  such  a  blessing.  We  will  ask  the  good  brothers 
to  allow  us  to  depart  in  peace. 

The  next  day  is  Sunday.  We  have  to  spend  the 
day  away  from  our  homes,  anyway.  The  question 
is,  Where  we  can  pass  its  hours  the  most  satisfac- 
torily? It  shall  be  at  the  Lancy  House,  in  Pitts- 
field,  with  Brother  Owen  Blackden.  To  reach  that 
place,  it  will  make  the  journey  to  our  next  objec- 
tive point  the  longest  way  round  ;  but  it  will  be 
the  surest  road,  and  our  desired  home.  The  Sab- 
bath day  is  passed.  Its  hours  of  quiet  and  rest 
have  fitted  us  for  the  duties  and  burdens  of  another 
week.  We  will  now  start  on  the  first  train  that 
will  connect  us  with  the  Somerset  Railroad,  at 
Oakland,   in  season  to   spend   the   da)'  at 

NORRIDGEWOCK. 
Time    has  worked  many  changes   in   this    ancient 


RETURN   TO    MAINE.  I  23 

town  ill  Somerset  County.  The  upper  story  of 
the  large  wooden  building  on  Depot  street  is 
owned  by  Ouinnebassett  Lodge.  A  large  hall,  with 
banquet  and  anterooms,  is  fitted  up  and  furnished 
in  a  neat  and  comfortable  manner.  The  lodge  is 
young,  but  rapidly  increasing  in  membership, 
and  is  prosperous.  Owing  to  the  inclement 
weather  there  are  but  few  members  present  to- 
night. We  have  passed  an  enjoyable  hour  with 
Brothers  Murphy,  Tuttle,  Knowlton,  Huntoon, 
Whiting,  Holt,  Moore,  Hobbs,  Frederick,  Russell, 
Wheeler,  Hilton,  Lindsey,  Hale,  Bates,  Carr,  and 
Crosby. 

We  must  take  the  "  slow  coach  "  this  morning, 
and  jog  along  through  the  mud.  Our  road  is 
after  the  kind  described  in  Bunyan's  "  Pilgrim's 
Progress,"  through  the  "  Slough  of  Despond."  It 
is  a  "  spike  team,"  with  two  horses  abreast  and  a 
leader.  We  would  gladly  exchange  the  mode  of 
conveyance  for  a  balloon  or  flying-machine ;  but 
having  started  on  the  journey,  we  shall  try  to 
hold  out  to  the  end.  We  are  fortunate  enough  to 
complete  our  six  miles'  journey  without  accident. 
I  get  a  sight  of  church  spires,  and  some  of  the  old 
familiar  buildings,  ahead,  from  this  high  hill.  A 
short  ride  farther  and  we  will  reach  the  village, 
my  old  home  for  more  than  seven  years.  Here 
we  are  at  the  door  of  the 


124  ON   THE    ROAD. 


SKOWIIEGAX    MOUSE. 


Everything  about  the  premises  has  the  same  ap- 
pearance as  when  I  left  the  town  five  years  ago. 
The  first  person  we  meet  is  Postmaster  Col.  W. 
R.  G.  Estes.  At  every  point  on  the  street  I  meet 
people  whose  names  and  faces  I  recall.  I  can 
hardly  realize  that  I  am  walking  the  same  streets 
I  trod  years  ago  in  the  days  of  health  and  pros- 
perity. Surely,  my  eyes  do  not  deceive  me,  for 
here  are  the  stores  and  offices,  and  many  of  the 
people  I  used  to  meet  in  their  places  of  business. 
Here  is  the  "Somerset  Reporter"  newspaper  and 
job  printing  office,  where  I  have  spent  days  and 
weeks  in  the  editor's  sanctum,  now  occupied  by 
Messrs.  Smith  &  McNeelic,  who  are  laboring  hard 
to  supply  the  patrons  of  the  long  established 
county  paper  with  useful  and  entertaining  reading. 
Let  us  take  a  stroll  about  the  town.  See  what 
changes  and  improvements  have  been  wrought ! 
This  new  depot  is  a  grand  improvement  over  the 
old  dilapidated  building.  Here  is  Brother  Sumner 
C.  Ward.  I  am  glad  to  see  you,  brother,  engaged 
in  your  old  duties,  in  such  a  finely  fitted  up  bag- 
gage-room. We  will  find  lots  of  the  boys  down 
on  Madison  street.  Yes,  here  is  Brother  George 
S.  Webb  at  his  store.  On  the  corner  are  Brothers 
Hawes  &  Arnold.  They  are  apt  to  give  people 
"  fits  "  when  they  enter  this  store.    John  A.  Dealy, 


RETURN   TO    MAINE.  125 

farther  down  the  street,  cuts  and  trims  to  suit  his 
customers.  Well,  well !  here  is  Doctor  Conant. 
"  Sam  "  they  used  to  call  him ;  but  he  has  honor- 
ably earned  the  M.D.  by  the  wonderful  cures 
wrought  by  "  Anidroses,  Conant's  Vapor  Baths," 
known  and  acknowledged  throughout  the  globe  as 
the  best  and  surest  cure  for  the  many  diseases 
which  frail  man  is  heir  to.  We  must  not  pass  my 
old  brother,  George  W.  Gray,  by,  at  the  stove- 
store.  He  is  the  pure  gold  in  manly  character. 
His  friendship  is  worth  having  in  the  days  of  ad- 
versity as  well  as  in  the  sunshine  of  prosperity. 
We  will  call  on  some  brothers  who  may  not  be 
present  at  lodge  meeting  to-night :  S.  B.  Steward 
and  W.  F.  Bacon  on  the  island ;  Past  Grand 
Sam.  Nash  and  John  B.  Young  at  the  oil-cloth 
factory.  They  were  dear  friends  of  mine  in  the 
early  days  of  my  connection  with  Carrabasset 
Lodge.  Brother  Young  stood  firm  as  a  rock  when 
the  disheartened  members  faltered  and  were  ready 
to  faint  by  the  wayside. 

It  is  evening.  The  brothers  are  gathering  as 
aforetime  at  the  main  entrance  of  Coburn  Hall, 
ready  to  ascend  the  long  flight  of  stairs  to  Odd 
Fellows  Hall.  There  have  been  radical  changes 
in  the  upper  story  of  the  building  since  I  last 
visited  the  lodge.  A  spacious  reception-room  has 
been  added  by  taking  in  the  small  banquet  hall 
formerly  occupied  by  the  Masonic  bodies.  With 
the  handsome  paraphernalia  and  other  things  in 


126  ON  THE    ROAD. 

keeping  therewith,  there  are  few  lodges  in  the 
State  possessing  a  better  outfit  or  doing  better 
work  than  this  lodge.  Here  they  come  with 
hands  extended  to  welcome  the  veterans  of  forty 
years:  Brothers  F.  B.  and  M.  B.  Heselton, 
French,  "  Sim "  Sawyer,  Hurley,  Strickland, 
Knight,  Morrill,  Lumsdcn,  Vigue.  Tantish,  Thinge, 
Forbes,  Howe,  Leland,  Smith,  Dunham,  Foster, 
and  Goodwin.  Some  of  them  are  strangers  to  me, 
as  they  have  come  here  "  since  I've  been  gone." 
Ten  years  absence  from  one's  own  lodge  brings 
many  changes.  Those  who  were  boys  then  are 
men  now.  It  seems  strange  to  be  privileged  to 
raise  my  hand  when  the  vote  is  called  on  lodge 
matters,  after  sitting  in  hundreds  of  lodges  as  a 
visitor  and  spectator.  It  is  more  than  strange  to 
speak  upon  questions  under  discussion  without 
permission  of  the  Noble  Grand.  But  it  all  comes 
to  me  now.  I  am  at  home  in  old  Carrabassctt 
Lodge,  occupying  the  warden's  chair.  I  feel  like 
reversing  the  language  of  the  wise  men  :  "  Once 
I  was  young,  but  now  I  am  old."  Brothers,  one 
and  all,  I  desire  to  introduce  to  your  favor  my 
brother,  Mr.  Reader,  who  has  accompanied  me  on 
all  my  journeyings.  Before  we  depart  on  this 
morning's  train  I  desire  to  speak  with  these  old 
friends  on  the  corner  at  the  post-office :  B.  F. 
Eaton,  Samuel  D.  Arnold.  Barnett  Wharf,  Frederick 
Hoyt,  Oliver  Walker,  Colonel  Isaac  Dyer,  Colonel 
A.  W.  Wildes,  General  R.  B.  Shepard,  George  and 


RETURN   TO    MAINE.  I  27 

Ed.  Page.  The  train  is  hauling  up  to  the  station. 
We  must  say  good-by  to  all  our  friends.  We  are 
crossing  the  high  bridge  over  the  Kennebec. 
"  Going  !  Gone  !  "  We  change  cars  at  Water- 
ville,  and  take  the  lower  road  for 


GARDINER. 

This  is  a  city  of  lumber  mills.  Heavy  losses 
have  come  to  the  business  men  at  various  times 
by  devastating  fires.  I  have  very  few  acquaint- 
ances here.  Gardiner  Lodge,  No.  9,  was  instituted 
in    1874.      It  has   a   devoted    membership. 

There  have  been  heavy  drafts  upon  its  member- 
ship by  the  formation  of  new  lodges.  The  old 
hall  remains  the  same  as  it  was  six  years  ago ;  a 
few  of  the  pillars  of  the  lodge  are  present  to-night: 
Brothers  White,  Partridge,  Robinson,  Tarbox, 
Hooper,  Goodrich,  Spearing,  Goodwin,  Hayes,  and 
Parnell.  We  spend  a  pleasant  hour  with  them. 
We  have  only  a  short  ride  to 

HALLOWELL, 

where  we  will  see  Brothers  Thomas  S.  Burnham 
and  Charles  F.  Kilbrith,  at  the  oil-cloth  factory, 
and  George  F.  White,  E.  E.  Lehi,  Arch.  Camp- 
bell, and  Daniel  Hanscom   on  the  street. 

Sanborn  Lodge  meets  Thursday  evening.  We 
are  one  day  too  late.     I  recall  the  night  of  Oct. 


128  ON   THE    ROAD. 

5,  1882,  when  the  lodge  was  instituted  by  Grand 
Master  Silas  W.  Cook,  of  Lewiston,  assisted  by 
the  Grand  Officers  and  a  large  delegation  of  mem- 
bers  of  Asylum,  Gardiner,  Pejepscot,  Richmond, 
and  other  lodges  from  the  surrounding  cities  and 
towns.  At  the  meeting  of  the  next  week  follow- 
ing I  was  present  and  invited  to  deliver  the  Past 
Grand's  charge  to  fifteen  initiates.  We  will  board 
"  Jewitt's  train,"  and  go  on  to 

RICHMOND. 

This  is  a  shoe  manufacturing  town.  Quite  a 
number  of  my  friends  who  resided  here  years  ago 
now  make  there  home  in  California  and  the  far 
West.  Here  we  are  at  the  furniture  and  upholstry 
store  where  Brother  J.  Clarke  Flagg  is  employed. 
He  is  standing  in  the  door  conversing  with  Brother 
S.  Reed  Allen.  He  is  beckoning  to  us  to  come 
that  way.  He  says,  "  There  are  very  few  mem- 
bers of  Richmond  Lodge  on  the  street  in  places 
of  business."  Most  of  them  are  employed  in  the 
shoe-shops.  It  is  doubtful  if  we  are  admitted  at 
working  hours.  We  will  attend  the  lodge  meet- 
ing to-night  and  hear  what  "the  boys"  have  to 
say  about  it.  This  is  my  first  visit  to  the  lodge 
in  this  beautiful  hall.  I  remember  well  when  it 
was  completed  and  dedicated  with  interesting 
services.  Brother  Z.  S.  Spaulding  was  one  of  the 
leading    actors    on     that    occasion.      We    have    a 


ALONG   THE    ROCK-BOGND   COAST.  1 29 

pleasant  little  company  of  brothers  here  to-night. 
It  would  add  greatly  to  the  interest  of  the  meet- 
ing if  all  these  richly  upholstered  seats  were  oc- 
cupied by  the  one  hundred  and  thirty  brothers 
who  hold  membership  in  the  lodge.  We  are  glad 
to  find  ourselves  surrounded  by  such  a  good  band 
of  brothers  as  R.  E.  Wood,  F.  J.  Buker,  W.  A. 
Bibber,  E.  Marco,  E.  B.  Webber,  C.  H.  H.  French, 
M.  G.  Buker,  A.  A.  Williams,  John  W.  Jordan, 
George  O.  Small,  and  C.  F.  Reed.  Brother 
Jordan  tells  us  to  call  at  the  shoe-shop  down  on 
the  street  in  the  morning.  He  will  introduce  us 
to  Wm.  PL  Harlow,  proprietor  of  the  establish- 
ment, who  is  a  brother  of  the  Order.  We  have 
been  kindly  treated  and  highly  favored  in  both 
shops,  for  which  we  thank  the  manager. 

Having  accomplished  our  purposes  in  this  part 
of  the  State,  we  will  make  a  direct  journey  home, 
and  rest  a  few  days. 


Chapter  XIV. 
ALONG  THE  ROCK-BOUND  COAST. 

"  We  left  behind  the  painted  buoy 
That  tosses  at  the  harbor  mouth, 
And  madly  danced  our  hearts  with  joy, 
As  fast  wejietted  to  the  south." 

WERE  you,  Brother  Reader,  ever  away  down  in 
that    part    of    Maine    so    much    talked    of    and 


I30  Otf  THE    ROAD. 

written  about,  the  Eden  that  inspires  the  poet 
with  song,  the  mid-summer  home  of  men  and 
women  of  high  rank  and  wealth,  the  enchanted 
grounds  around 

BAR    HARBOR? 

The  steamer  leaves  Railroad  Wharf  to-night 
at  eleven  o'clock.  We  have  comfortable  quarters 
for  sleeping.  The  hours  of  the  night  will  quickly 
pass  while  we  are  in  the  land  of  dreams.  Hark  ! 
I  hear  the  call :  "  Passengers  for  Rockland  turn 
out!"  Is  it  possible?  Five  o'clock  so  soon !  I 
hardly  realized  that  the  boat  had  been  moving. 
It  will  soon  be  daylight.  Let  us  go  on  deck  and 
look  out  on  the  blue  ocean.  We  have  come  twelve 
miles.  This  landing  is  Islesboro,  a  new  stopping- 
place  on  the  route.  See  that  large  hotel,  it  was 
erected  last  season.  Our  next  stopping-place  is 
the  historic  town  of  Castine.  Up  on  the  high 
grounds  is  the  Arcanian,  a  handsome  summer 
hotel.  The  United  States  revenue  cutter  "  Wood- 
bury" is  lying  off  in  the  harbor  with  flying  colors. 
That  little  village  just  in  sight  is  Deer  Isle.  Here 
we  arc  coming  to  Sedgwick.  The  landing  is  off  at 
the  right.  A  bold  sand  bar  makes  out,  obstruct- 
ing a  close  entrance  to  the  town.  Just  ahead,  as 
we  are  moving,  you  can  see  South  West  Harbor, 
and  off  at  the  right,  North  West  Harbor,  two 
thriving  villages  with  large  summer  hotels.  These 
are  our  last  landing-places.     The  steamer  is  enter- 


ALONG   THE    ROCK-BOUND    COAST.  I  3  [ 

ing  deep  water.  We  are  to  have  the  company  of 
the  steamer  "  Mt.  Desert."  The  passengers  of 
both  steamers  are  exchanging  friendly  greetings. 
There  is  to  be  a  pleasant  little  contest  to  see  which 
boat  will  make  the  landing  first.  It  has  been 
quite  exciting.  There  go  the  lines  of  the  "City  of 
Richmond  "  !  They  are  received  on  the  wharf. 
The  "Mt.  Desert"  hauls  along  side.  We  are 
safely  landed, 

"  Where  the  stately  sh'ps  go  in 
To  the  haven  under  the  hill." 

During  the  months  of  July  and  August  it  is  teem- 
ing with  life  and  gayety.  Nature  has  bestowed 
her  best  efforts  in  producing  a  perfect  picture, 
upon  which  the  eye  of  man  never  tires  to  gaze. 
We  will  enter  the  office  of  the  Mt.  Desert  "  Herald  " 
and  grasp  the  hand  of  my  good  brother,  Joseph 
Wood,  the  editor.  He  can  post  us  on  all  matters 
of  interest  concerning  the  place.  We  are  too 
early  in  the  season  to  see  it  as  it  will  appear  a 
month  hence.  Island  Lodge  numbers  120  mem- 
bers, and  holds  its  meetings  in  Wood's  block.  We 
are  one  day  past  the  night  of  meeting.  The  chief 
of  police  has  volunteered  to  "  drum  up  "  the  boys 
for  a  social  chat  at  the  hall.  Brother  Wood  is 
leading  the  way  to  introduce  them  as  they  enter: 
Brothers  Carr,  Campbell,  Clark,  Graves,  Benson, 
Harmon,  Campbell,  Jordan,  Benner,  Hodgkins, 
Milliken,  Kurson,  Green,  Hodgkins,  Herring,  and 


132  ON   THE    ROAD. 

Jones.  We  have  taken  sweet  council  together  in  an 
old-fashioned  conference  meeting.  It  would  do 
the  mind  and  body  of  "  the  laboring  class  "  good 
to  remain  in  this  fair  land  during  the  coming  weeks 
of  warm  weather ;  but  we  must  be  moving  down 
the  street  to  take  passage  on  board  the  ferry  to 
cross  the  bay  and  take  the  train  and  proceed  on  to 

ELLSWORTH. 

We  shall  remain  in  the  city  to-day  and  meet  the 
brothers  of  Lejock  Lodge  this  evening.  We  will 
follow  the  brothers  up  into  the  hall.  I  will  take 
the  seat  by  the  secretary's  desk.  It  is  the  same 
one  which  I  occupied  six  years  ago.  Here  is 
Brother  J.  C.  Bartlett,  Noble  Grand;  also  Brothers 
Packard,  Holmes,  Mullan,  Gould,  Allen,  Furber, 
and  thirty  others.  The  degree  staff  will  show  us 
fine  work  to-night.  The  boys  are  coming  in  large 
numbers  to  help  them. 

It  is  Saturday  morning;  the  rain-clouds  have 
rolled  away ;  the  sun  sends  forth  its  cheering  rays. 
We  will  take  the  first  train  for  Bangor.  A  short 
run  brings  us  to 

WINTIIROP. 

We  will  step  off  here  and  call  upon  some  of  my 
old  friends  at  Bailey's  oil-cloth  factories.  Brothers 
W.  H.  French,  Dudley,  Dillingham,  Towle,  and  H. 
A.  French  are  at  the  village.    Brothers  C.  A.  Briggs, 


VISIT   TO   THE   FATHERLAND.  1 33 

Stowe,  Titus,  and  Foster  are  at  Baileyville  factories. 
The  four  o'clock  train  will  take  us  direct  to  Port- 
land, where  we  shall  spend  the  night  and  arrange 
for  the  future. 


Chapter  XV. 

VISIT   TO   THE   FATHERLAND. 

It  is  more  than  four  years  since  I  visited  my 
old  home  in  Washington  County.  I  have  arranged 
a  nice  little  programme  for  a  two  weeks'  cruise 
down  in  that  section  of  the  State.  I  am  well  sat- 
isfied, Brother  Reader,  that  you  are  not  unpleas- 
antly affected  by  a  sea-voyage.  Through  the 
courtesy  of  E.  A.  Waldron,  Esq.,  General  Agent 
of  the  International  Steamship  Company,  Boston, 
and  W.  H.  Kilby,  agent  at  Eastport,  we  are 
equipped  for  a  passage  on  board  the  fine  steamer 
"  State  of  Maine,"  Captain  Hjlyard.  The  steamer 
will  leave  her  wharf  at  six  o'clock  P.M.  Clerk 
LeBarron  Thompson  recognizes  us  among  the 
crowd  gathering  about  the  ticket-office  to  secure 
rooms  and  berths  for  the  night.  He  says,  "  This 
key  will  admit  you  to  state-room  No.  28,  where 
you  can  make  yourselves  comfortable  for  the 
night."  Thanks,  Brother  Thompson.  The 
steamer  is  swinging  out  from  the  wharf.     We  are 


134  ON   THE   ROAD. 

passing  Portland  Light,  —  now  rounding  Cushing's 
Island.  Moving  farther  and  farther  out  to  sea, 
wc  can  now  just  get  a  glimpse  of  the  upper  end 
of  Peak's  Island.  The  sun  has  gone  down  out  of 
siedit.  We  will  retire  to  the  saloon.  The  hours 
of  night  have  passed  quickly  while  the  hundreds 
of  men  and  women  on  board  have  been  sleeping 
peacefully.  Let  us  go  on  deck  and  witness  the 
glorious  sunrise.  The  call  of  the  breakfast  gong 
is  a  welcome  sound  to  the  average  traveller.  Mr. 
J.  G.  Bond,  the  steward,  is  admirably  fitted  for  the 
position  he  occupies  so  acceptably  to  all  who  en- 
joy the  indispensables  set  forth  by  his  head 
waiter,  Mr.  Charles  Devereux,  and  his  attentive 
corps  of  assistants. 

We  are  passing  Lubec  Narrows,  and   fast  near- 


mg 


EASTPORT. 

"  Often  I  think  of  the  beautiful  village 
Situated  on  Quoddy  Bay; 
Often  in  thought  I  go  up  and  down 
The  pleasant  streets  of  the  dear  old  town, 
And  my  youth  comes  back  to  me." 

The  toot  of  the  whistle  is  a  signal  for  casting 
the  gang-plank.  The  passengers  arc  crowding 
their  way  up  the  wharf.  Here  is  our  friend,  W. 
H.  Kilby,  at  his  desk  in  the  office.  Let  us  move 
"  up  town."  How  changed  is  everything  before 
my  eyes,  made  so  by  the  ravages  of  the  great  fire 


VISIT   TO   THE   FATHERLAND.  I  35 

a  few  years  ago  !  The  many  fine  brick  and  wooden 
structures  now  occupying  the  sites  of  the  old 
familiar  stores  and  small  buildings  along  Water 
street  speak  volumes  for  the  courage  and  enter- 
prize  of  the  citizens  of  the  town.  This  store  is 
occupied  by  Mr.  Henry  J.  Reynolds.  The  upper 
story  is  the  "  Sentinel  "  newspaper  and  job  printing 
office.  The  old  paper  was  established  in  the  year 
1 81 8.  To  pass  it  by  would  be  like  turning  my 
back  on  an  old  friend  who  had  been  at  my  side 
from  the  first  moment  of  my  existence  until  the 
present  day.  Here  is  Editor  Nutt  and  his  typos 
busily  at  work  "  making  up "  this  week's  issue. 
"What  is  the  significance  of  the  initials  I.O.O.F. 
on  the  sign  on  the  hall?  Brother  Mildon ,  will 
you  please  explain?  " — "  It  is,"  he  says,  "  the  hall 
of  Border  Lodge,  which  was  instituted  June  14, 
1 88 1.  Come  and  see  us  to-night,  and  you  will 
learn  all  about  it."  There  is  an  interesting  history 
to  Odd  Fellowship  in  this  town,  and,  in  fact, 
throughout  the  county.  We  have  time  for  taking 
a  full  survey  of  the  town.  I  will  introduce  you, 
Brother  Reader,  to  scores  of  my  old  friends  here. 
Their  names  are  like  household  words  to  me. 
Walk  up  the  street.  Here  are  the  Bradfords, 
Sheads,  Corthell,  and  Gardner,  Kilby  Brothers, 
Pike  &  Kilby,  Martin  Bradish,  a  worthy  ancient 
Odd  Fellow. 

It  is  near  the  hour  for  lodge  meeting.     We  will 
follow  the   multitude, —  not  to   do  evil,  but  for  a 


136  ON  THE   ROAD. 

noble  cause.  This  is  a  neat,  coscy  hall.  Every- 
thing is  in  keeping  with  the  life  and  spirit  of  a 
lively  lodge.  It  is  work  in  the  second  degree. 
Past  Grand  Mildon  is  master  of  ceremonies. 
Here  is  a  delegation  from  a  new  lodge  lately  insti- 
tuted up  the  river.  We  will  keep  shady  about 
them  until  we  have  an  opportunity  to  fire  a  shot 
at  "  short  range." 

We  will  now  look  the  lodge  roster  over  and  see 
what  sort  of  material  it  is  composed  of.  Here  are 
some  of  the  names :  Brothers  Wallace,  Lowe, 
Brooks,  Palmer,  Martin,  Magee,  Brewster,  Shoppie, 
Cleveland,  Moses,  McDonald,  Mabee,  Buckman, 
and  McMastcrs.  There  is  no  good  reason  why 
the  lodge  should  not  grow  and  prosper  with  such 
a  lot  of  earnest,  active  members  as  these  and 
eighty  others. 

A   SAIL   UP   DENNY'S    RIVER. 

This  is  a  delightful  morning,  with  a  full-sail, 
north-west  breeze.  Here  are  Messrs.  York  and 
Motz,  skippers  of  the  good  schooners  "Julia" 
and  "  Gertie."  They  are  ready  to  invite  us  for  a 
sail  up  over  Cobscook  Falls.  It  is  more  than 
twenty  years  since  I  last  sailed  on  these  waters.  I 
note  but  few  changes  since  that  time.  It  is  "  slack 
tide,"  and  the  "two-hour  rock"  comes  fully  to 
view.  It  is  the  same  rock  which  was  mistaken  for 
the  back  of  a  large  whale,  many  years  ago,  by  two 


VISIT   TO   THE    FATHERLAND.  1 37 

voyagers  on  the  turbulent  waters  in  the  night-time, 
with  only  the  pale  light  of  the  moon  to  discern 
surrounding  objects.  The  adventurers  had  been 
imbibing  freely  of  gin,  and  were  looking  through 
glasses  darkly.  When  the  water  receded  from  the 
surface  of  the  rock,  one  of  the  men  took  his  posi- 
tion in  the  stern  of  the  boat,  and  with  a  sharp  axe 
dealt  heavy  blows  on  the  back  of  the  whale  (?) 
and  uttered  encouraging  words  to  his  companions. 
"  By  Jove,"  cried  he,  "  we'll  get  our  winter's  ile  !  " 
We  have  now  passed  the  whirlpools  and  hidden 
rocks,  upon  which  the  frail  barks  of  numbers  of 
men  and  women  have  been  dashed.  We  are  en- 
tering the  Narrows,  and  now  rounding  the  "  Point." 
Here  I  get  a  sight  of  the  church  spire  on  the  hill- 
top. There  is  the  old  "  dock-bridge "  down  by 
the  marsh.     This  is 

DENNYSVILLE, 

Brother  Reader.  It  is  only  half-flood.  We  should 
do  better  to  climb  the  rocky  shore  and  walk  to 
the  village  than  to  remain  on  board  until  eight 
o'clock. 

Brother  Reader,  you  are  now  in  the  village 
where  I  was  born  and  reared,  and  where  I  passed 
my  school-boy  days  in  full  view  of  this  beautiful 
river.  Here  I  spent  forty-six  years  of  my  life. 
Do  you  wonder  that  I  am  pleased  to  look  upon 
these  trees,  these  fields,  and  listen  to  the  gurgling 


138  ON    THE    ROAD. 

brooks?  Here  is  the  old  meeting-house.  The 
foundation-stones  of  the  old  school-house  on  the 
hill  are  there;  but  the  house  itself,  with  the  mas- 
ter's desk  and  the  scholars'  benches,  are  gone,  and 
nearly  all  the  boys  and  girls  of  those  days  are  also 
gone,  some  never  to  return. 

We  will  walk  slowly  along  the  road.  Here  is 
the  old  shoe-maker's  shop,  and  the  little  chapel, 
with  the  parsonage  near  by  it.  Across  the  field 
is  the  old  homestead.  Father,  mother,  sister,  and 
brother  are  not  there. 

We  are  invited  to  a  seat  in  the  carriage  with  the 
pastor  of  the  village,  for  a  few  hours'  drive. 
Brother  Reader,  did  you  ever  visit  your  old  home 
after  many  years  of  absence?  The  title  that  had 
been  affixed  to  your  name  in  manhood's  years  by 
strangers  in  distant  towns  and  cities,  now  dropped, 
and  you  were  greeted  by  cousins  and  old  school- 
mates with  the  plain  Christian  name  given  you  by 
your  loving  mother? 

The  first  one  of  my  old  friends  to  meet  is  Mr. 
Theophilus  W.  Allan,  past  fourscore  years  of  age. 
He  is  the  oldest  inhabitant  of  the  town.  His  eye 
is  very  little  dimmed,  and  his  natural  force  is  not 
seemingly  abated.  Here  is  Benjamin  Lincoln, 
Esq.,  great-grandson  of  General  Lincoln,  of  Rev- 
olutionary fame.  We  are  invited  to  make  our  rest- 
ing-place at  the  home  of  Peter  E.  Vose,  Esq.,  the 
next  man  in  ave  to  Mr.  Allan.  This  has  been  a 
day  of  pleasing  events   long   to    be    remembered. 


VISIT  TO  THE   FATHERLAND.  I  39 

There  is  no  lodge  of  our  Order  in  the  village,  and 
none  of  the  citizens  hold  membership  in  any  lodge. 
The  Masonic  fraternity  is  quite  largely  represented 
here.  Rev.  Mr.  Whittier  has  been  appointed 
chaplain  in  several  of  the  Grand  Bodies.  Two 
happy  weeks  have  passed,  and  we  must  now  bid 
our  friends  and  townsmen  adieu,  and  prepare  to 
depart.  Here  is  Mr.  Lyman  K.  Gardner  and  Mrs. 
Gardner  with  a  two-seated  carriage  in  waiting  to 
convey  us  to 

PEMBROKE. 

It  is  a  five-miles  drive  over  a  rough,  hilly  road. 
We  are  at  the  store  of  E.  Wilder  &  Son,  at  the 
West  Village.  Mr.  Bela  Wilder  recognizes  his  old 
friend,  and  leads  the  way  to  the  house.  How 
familiar  that  female  voice  sounds  !  It  is  the  aged 
mother  of  two  sons,  whose  strong  arms  support 
her  in  her  declining  years.  She  leads  the  way  to 
the  sitting-room.  Here  I  look  upon  the  old  wall 
decorations.  Our  mission  to  this  town  is  to  make 
the  acquaintance  of  members  of  George  Wash- 
ington Lodge,  No.  123,  which  was  instituted 
March  26,  1890,  by  Grand  Master  Hon.  A.  S. 
Kimball,  assisted  by  Grand  Marshal  A.  L.  F. 
Pike,  Lee,  and  Oliver,  of  Calais,  Mildon  and 
Wood,  of  Eastport,  with  twenty-two  members  of 
other  lodges.  We  are  to  meet  with  the  brothers 
in  the  hall  to-night  and  aid  them  in  conferring  the 
initiatory  degree  on  twelve  candidates.     The  lodge 


140  ON   THE    ROAD. 

has  made  a  splendid   beginning,   and  will   make  a 
strong  pillar  in  the  temple  of  Odd  Fellowship   in 
Washington  County.     I  will  be  greatly  pleased  to 
have  the  autographs  of  every  brother  present.      It 
will  be  interesting  to  me  and  other  brothers  of  the 
Order  to  read  the  names  of  the  pioneers   of  the 
first  lodge  organized  in  Pembroke.       Brothers,  I 
invite    you    to    write    your    names    in    my    book. 
Here  they  are:    J.  A.  Gilpatrick,  J.  W.  Holland, 
Ed.    E.   Wilder,    J.    W.    Hilton,     E.    W.    Farley, 
Horace    Hersey,    Fred    Laughton,    A.    G.   Levey, 
Frank   J.  Wilder,    John    R.    Thompson,  Wm.  H. 
Welch,    Edward   P.    Wilder,   Luther    Lakin,    Jr., 
Howard  Anthony,  Sullivan    B.    Clark,  Elmer    H. 
Knowlton,  C.  H.  Phinney,  D.  C.  Spofford,  WTilliam 
A.  Blackwood,  and  George  H.  Stevens.       We  will 
now    leave    the    brothers    to    progress  with    their 
business. 

It  is  Saturday  morning.  The  mail  stage  left 
the  village  at  an  early  hour.  There  is  no  public 
conveyance  to  Eastport  during  the  day.  Our 
plan  was  to  spend  Sunday  with  friends  on  "  the 
Island."  Brother  Reader,  you  don't  seem  to 
understand  what  I  mean  by  that  expression.  The 
town  of  Eastport  is  built  on  an  island,  the  water 
surrounding  "it  is  Passamaquoddy  Bay.  We  will 
either  procure  a  team  and  drive  down  ourselves, 
or  engage  passage  with  "  Cal  "  Gardner,  the  livery- 
stable  man.  He  is  at  the  other  village.  Yes, 
"  Cal  "  will  find  a  stowaway   place   for  us   in   his 


VISIT  TO   THE    FATHERLAND.  141 

single-seated  buggy,  if  we  can  be  folded  up  like 
an  umbrella.  Here  we  are,  tucked  in  as  "  snug  as 
a  bug  in  a  rug."  The  fast-stepping  horse  has 
made  the  miles  seem  shorter  than  in  the  days  of 
slow  jogging  along  with  the  old  farm  horse. 
Here  we  are  back  again  at  the  Bucknam  House, 
to  enjoy  hours  of  rest  for  to-morrow's  labors. 

The  steamer  "  Charles  Houghton  "  is  at  the  wharf. 
It  will  be  a  pleasant  excursion  up  the  St.  Croix 
River  to-day,  touching  at  St.  Andrews,  N.B.,  and 
Robbinston. 

The  steamer  has  made  a  quick  run.  The  tide  is 
favorable  for  going  above  the  Ledge,  and  we 
shall  soon  reach  the  upper  landing.     This  is 

CALAIS,   THE  BORDER   CITY. 

Many  changes  have  been  wrought  since  my  last 
visit.  Our  first  business  will  be  to  find  Brother 
W.  H.  Nichols,  treasurer  of  the  St.  Croix  Cotton 
Mills  Corporation.  He  was  superintendent  of 
the  Maine  Central  Railroad  Repair  Shops,  at 
Waterville,  sixteen  years  ago.  He  has  been  one 
of  my  warmest  friends  all  these  years  past.  We 
will  follow  Brother  Nichols'  advice  about  finding 
the  members  of  Fellowship  Lodge.  The  hall  is 
in  this  block,  up  two  flights.  The  room  is  small 
and  affords  poor  accommodations  for  the  lodge 
and  encampment.  I  am  pleased  to  meet  Brother 
Nichols  among  the  members  to-night.     There  are 


142  ON   THE   ROAD. 

thirty- four  brethren  present  to  assist  in  conferring 
second  degree  upon  four  candidates.  When  the 
new  hall,  now  in  progress,  is  completed,  there 
will  be  ample  room  for  rendering  the  work  in  a 
more  satisfactory  manner.  The  following  brothers 
have  answered  to  their  names  at  roll-call  : 
J.  W.  McAllister,  W.  H.  Nichols,  R.  H.  Saunders, 
Charles  L.  Harris,  E.  C.  Jackson,  Thomas  Mc- 
Cullough,  George  R.  Gardner,  Rev.  A.  W.  C.  An- 
derson, F.  P.  Dunning.  We  will  cross  the  toll 
bridge  over  the  St.  Croix  River  and  spend  an  hour 
with  our  brothers  "  on  the  other  side,"  as  they  say 
here.     This  is 

ST.    STEPHEN,   N.B. 

There  is  no  lodge  in  this  place;  but  a  number  of 
brothers  are  members  of  Fellowship  Lodge.  We 
will  enter  this  candy  manufactory  and  speak  with 
Brothers  L.  M.  Robinson  and  George  A.  Mc- 
Andrews. 

It  is  time   to    return   to  Calais   and    board    the 
steamer  for  a  passage  to 

ST.  JOHN,   N.B., 

where  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Lower  Provinces  of 
B.N. A.  will  convene  in  annual  session  to-morrow. 
The  sight  of  the  city,  as  we  are  sailing  up  the 
harbor,  brings  fresh  to  my  memory  the  time  when 
I,  in  company  with  hundreds  of  others,  came  here 


VISIT   TO   THE    FATHERLAND.  1 43 

by  steamer  from  Eastport  to  witness  the  appear- 
ing of  Albert  Edward,  Prince  of  Wales.  Since 
that  time  I  have  frequently  visited  the  city.  Let 
us  walk  up  Prince  William  street,  and  rest  awhile 
in  Kings  square.  There  is  no  lack  of  hotel 
accommodations.  Some  of  the  names  are  quite 
American,  —  Bangor  House,  Central  House. 

We  will  examine  the  register  of  Queen  Hotel. 
Here  is  the  name,  "  Henry  A.  Taylor,  Halifax, 
N.S."  He  is  Grand  Treasurer  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
in  this  jurisdiction.  I  must  seek  him  out.  It  was 
over  forty  years  ago  when  I  was  initiated  into 
Acadia  Lodge,  No.  26,  at  Halifax,  N.S.,  and  this 
same  Taylor  was  conductor.  I  think  he  will  recall 
the  events  of  that  night.  Here  is  the  gentleman. 
I  will  make  the  first  advances,  and  see  if  he 
answers  to  the  name  of  Henry  A.  Taylor.  Brother 
Reader,  he  is  the  man  I  have  been  looking  for. 
We  meet  for  the  first  time  after  forty  years'  sep- 
aration. Two  old  friends  and  veteran  brother 
Odd  Fallows.  What  a  happy  meeting !  The 
advance  of  time,  the  burdens  and  cares  of  life, 
and  the  weight  of  many  years  are  upon  us.  We 
have  indeed  seen  years,  and  many,  many  solemn 
changes  have  come  to  us.  But  he  is,  as  he  styles 
himself,  "  the  same  old  Taylor,"  as  mirth-pro- 
voking, joke- cracking  a  fellow  as  in  the  days  of 
yore.  Nothing  suits  him  better,  and  none  can  do 
it  with  less  effort  than  he.  Well,  this  has  been 
one  of  the  pleasantest  and  happiest   meetings   of 


144  ON  THE  ROAD. 

ni}-  life.  Now  we  arc  ready  to  accompany  our 
brother,  —  whom  we  thought  to  be  dead,  and  is 
alive  again;  "  he  was  lost  and  is  found," —  to  see 
the  sights  about  the  ancient  city. 

Our  visiting  cards  will  admit  us  to  seats  in  the 
Grand  Lodge.  Brother  Taylor  covets  the  privi- 
lege to  wait  upon  us  in  the  anteroom  and  intro- 
duce us  to  Grand  Master  Wilson  and  the  lafgfe 
body  of  representatives.  We  are  pleased  to  make 
the  acquaintance  of  Brothers  Theo.  L.  Chappell, 
J.  P.  Edmunds,  Hon.  C.  H.  Skinner,  J.  C.  P. 
Frazer,  and  hundreds  of  others,  who  extend  their 
cordial  greeting.  We  will  remain  in  the  city  one 
week  to  attend  the  meetings  of  Pioneer,  Beacon, 
Peerless,  Siloam,  and  Golden  Rule  lodges,  all  of 
which  are  enjoying  a  good  de'gree  of  prosperity. 
At  the  different  lodges  we  have  met  a  large  num- 
ber of  earnest,  fraternal  brothers :  Damery,  J.  A. 
Paul,  W.  C.  Cristie,  M.D.,  Andre  Cushing,  R.  B. 
Barnes,  Joseph  A.  Murdock,  and  one  hundred 
and  fifty- six  others,  who  have  kindly  placed  their 
autographs  in  my  book.  Our  time  is  up,  we  must 
return  to  Portland,  Me.,  and  thence  to 

teak's  island. 

We  are  now  justly  entitled  to  a  week  of  rest  and 
recreation  after  our  long  journcyings.  There  is  no 
pleasanter  place  to  pass  the  time  than  on  Peak's 
Island.     We   arc  just  in  time   to   step   on    board 


VISIT   TO   THE    FATHERLAND.  145 

the  steamer  "  Greenwood,"  with  Captain  Dean. 
Clerk  Webber  has  placed  seats  for  us  near  the 
pilot-house  that  we  may  have  an  unobstructed 
view  of  points  along  the  route.  We  are  now 
passing  the  "  breakwater,"  extending  far  out  into 
bold  water.  It  is  a  master-piece  of  masonry 
work.  Here  we  see  Forts  Preble  and  Gorges. 
Fort  Scammel  is  on  this  small  island,  known  as 
House  Island.  The  work  of  building  the  strong 
battery  was  commenced  in  1808  and  closed  in 
1875,  for  lack  of  appropriations  by  Government. 
We  are  now  in  full  view  of  Jones'  Landing. 
That  large  oval-roofed  building  is  Forest  City 
Rink,  where  roller-skating,  in  its  day,  was  en- 
joyed by  old  and  young  in  large  measure.  The 
building  is  now  occupied  by  Gordon's  toboggan 
chute,  and  other  fascinating  pastimes,  in  which 
large  numbers  of  people  participate.  We  are  at 
the  landing.  Let  us  walk  up  the  street.  Here  is 
the  Peak's  Island  House,  kept  by  Landlord  Saw- 
yer. We  shall  be  well  accommodated  and  satis- 
fied with  the  fare  he  furnishes.  We  turn  off  here 
and  keep  the  plank-walk.  The  high  grounds  give 
a  grand  view  of  the  harbor,  white  with  sails.  In 
the  channel  are  the  war-ships  of  the  North  Ameri- 
can squadron.  We  shall  hear  the  booning  of 
their  guns  at  morning  and  night.  This  long  build- 
ing, extending  far  down  the  embankment,  is  Forest 
City  Pavilion,  where  theatrical  entertainments  are 
given   afternoon    and  evening.      This   is    the    en- 


1 4-6  ON     Till'.    ROAD. 

trance  to  Greenwood  Garden.  We  have  a  pass 
from  Manager  Knowlton.  We  will  enter  the  gar- 
den and  visit  the  menagerie.  The  grounds  are 
beautifully  laid  out  with  walks  and  flower-gardens. 
The  steamer  of  the  Casco  Bay  Line,  in  addition  to 
the  Greenwood  Garden  Line,  make  frequent  trips 
daily,  furnishing  cheap  and  ample  communication 
between  the  city  and  island  until  a  late  hour  of 
the  night. 

We  will  now  continue  our  walk  up  the  hill. 
Here  we  are  at  the  top.  Now  cast  your  eyes 
about.  Look  to  the  right.  There  is  White  Head 
at  the  upper  end  of  Cushing's  Island.  You  can 
see  the  Ottawa  House,  kept  by  Landlord  Gibson. 
At  the  left  is  Great  and  Little  Diamond  islands. 
Both  are  covered  with  neat  cottages  owned  by 
members  of  the  Diamond  Island  Association." 
They  are  beautiful  summer  resorts.  Now  turn 
around  and  get  a  sight  of  the  many  cottages  on 
this  plot  of  green.  They  are  occupied  by  fami- 
lies from  Portland  and  visitors  from  cities  and 
towns  throughout  New  England.  Here  are  the 
Rickers,  the  Trues,  Colesworthy,  Dow,  Phinney, 
Stevens,  Nelson,  Foss,  Crabtrcc,  Litchfield,  and 
members  of  the  colony.  Down  by  the  shore, 
opposite  White  Head,  are  two  large  buildings,  the 
headquarters  of  the  5th  and  8th  Maine  Regi- 
ments, where  comrades  and  their  families  spend 
a  portion  of  the  season  in  rest  and  recrea- 
tion.      In    the    woods    are  the  campers'  grounds, 


VISIT  TO   THE   FATHERLAND.  1 47 

Camp  Preble,  Camp  Outing,  Camp  Casco,  Camp 
O.  M.'s  and  O.  B.'s.  They  are  in  living  order. 
There  is  music  in  the  air  among  them  "  oft  in  the 
stilly  night." 

Casco  Bay  abounds  in  islands,  large  and  small. 
Over  the  stone  wall  is  land  owned  by  the  Brack- 
ets and  Stirlings,  decendants  of  the  original  set- 
tlers of  that  part  of  the  island.  Here  are  a  num- 
ber of  cosey  little  cottages  owned  by  parties  in 
Natick,  Mass.  We  will  now  walk  up  Island 
avenue  and  get  a  view  along  the  water  front. 
Here  are  a  number  of  large  cottages.  Some  of 
them  are  constructed  for  comfortable  winter  dwell- 
ings. Here  are  the  stores :  Brackett  Brothers  and 
the  post-office,  Littlefield  &  Co.,  Melville  Morse, 
J.  Brewster  &  Co.,  Skillings  &  Brewer.  Here 
is  the  little  church  on  the  hill.  This  unique  cot- 
tage with  a  long  flight  of  stairs  in  front  is  owned 
by  Mrs.  Sarah  Frye,  of  Portland.  Here  is  the 
high  school  brick  building.  A  little  beyond  is 
Golden  Cross  Hall. 

We  shall  make  Peak's  our  headquarters  until 
about  the  middle  of  August,  with  an  outing  now 
and  again  in  Cumberland  County.  Our  first  trip 
is  over  the  mountain  branch  of  the  Maine  Central 
Railroad,  passing  Sebago  Lake,  Cornish,  and 
towns  along  the  line  to  where  we  change  to  the 
narrow  gauge  road  for 


I48  ON    THE    ROAD. 


BRIDGETON. 

Here  are  woollen  and  cotton  mills.  We  find  here 
industrious,  thrifty  farmers.  I  have  many  pleas- 
ant acquaintances  among  the  members  of  old 
Cumberland  Lodge :  Brothers  Gleason,  Stailey, 
Chamberlan,  Wight,  Libby,  Gibbs,  and  Douglass. 

A  short  ride  will  carry  us  to  the  North  Village, 
where  Brother  Bryon  Kimball,  P.G.M.,  has  a  large 
furniture  manufactory;  P.G.  W.  D.  Hatch,  of  Li- 
gonia  Lodge,  Portland,  is  employed  in  the  paint- 
ing department. 

Here  is  a  conveyance  to  take  us  three  miles 
through  the  woods  to  the  pretty  little  village  of 

HARRISON. 

We  will  accept  the  invitation  of  Brother  Libby  to 
ride  with  him.  It  is  the  same  old  road  I  travelled 
years  before.  Here  are  a  number  of  the  brothers 
of  Harrison  Lodge,  which  was  instituted  March 
14,  1889.  Brothers,  will  you  please  stand  up  and 
be  counted?  Stewart,  Emery,  Tarbox,  Hinds, 
Pitts,  Jordan,  Rose,  Twitchell,  Thomas,  Kneeland, 
and  John  Walker.  Brother  Isaac  F.  Berry,  you 
are  from  Denmark,  they  say?  We  have  just  time 
to  shake  hands  with  the  boys  all  round  and  regain 
our  seats  in  the  wagon  to  return  to  Bridgeton, 
where  we  will  attend  the  lodge  and  spend  the  night. 


A   LONG    ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  I 49 

The  first  train  leaves  at  an  early  hour;  we  must 
cut  our  stories  short  or  "  get  left."  The  seats  in 
this  car  are  like  the  individual  salts  at  the  family- 
table,  each  person  has  one  to  himself.  We  are  at 
the  Union  station ;  horse-cars  to  the  steam-boat 
landing. 


Chapter  XVI. 

A  LONG   ROAD   TO   TRAVEL. 

"  Over  and  over  again 
My  duties  wait  for  me; 
It  is  travel  and  labor  and   tire, 
'Till  life's  journey  ceases  to  be." 

CAN  it  be  possible  that  our  vacation  season  is 
over?  Here  is  the  programme:  Start  on 
journey  to-morrow  morning;  stop  in  fifty-six  cities 
and  towns ;  visit  one  hundred  and  thirty-six 
lodges.     It  will  be  a  ten-months'  job. 

We  must  lose  no  time  in  taking  the  9.30  train 
over  the  Boston  &  Maine  road  to 

DOVER,    N.II. 

This  is  a  city  of  mills  and  business  stir.  It  is  not 
the  season  of  the  year  for  a  large  attendance  at 
lodge    meetings;    but    there    is    much   to    interest 


150  "ON   THE    ROAI>. 

visitors  in  such  a  thriving  city.  We  shall  stop  at 
the  Dover  House,  near  the  railroad  station.  I  have 
the  names  of  some  of  the  members  of  Mount 
Pleasant  Lodge  whom  we  will  call  upon.  The 
lodge  hall  is  down  the  street,  opposite  the  post- 
office,  in  the  Library  building.  It  is  a  large  and 
handsomely  fitted-up  hall,  owned  in  common  by 
Mount  Pleasant  and  Wecohamit  lodges.  Here 
are  Brothers  E.  L.  Currier,  Charles  Gray,  Willis 
W.  Hoyt,  Reuben  Nason,  F.  W.  Stevens,  Frank  H. 
Cummings,  and  Wright  B.  Bunker.  They  have 
given  us  cordial  greetings.  If  we  visit  the  city 
again  on  the  night  of  lodge  meeting,  we  will  spend 
the  hour  with  them. 

Our  next  stopping-place  will  be 

MANCHESTER,    N.H. 

Here  we  are  at  New  Market  Junction.  The  season 
is  far  in  advance  of  central  or  eastern  Maine.  We 
are  entering  the  city.  The  Manchester  House, 
under  the  management  of  my  old  friend,  A.  M. 
Winchester,  a  native  of  Eastport,  Me.,  formerly 
proprietor  of  the  Maine  Centrr.l  Railroad  dining 
hall  at  Portland,  will  be  our  home.  We  are  in  one 
of  the  finest  manufacturing  cities  in  New  England. 
It  has  a  population  of  more  than  40,000,  runs 
11,000  spindles,  employs  many  thousand  opera- 
tives. There  arc  266  streets  and  avenues  laid  out  at 
right  angles,  four  public   parks,  and  thirty  public 


A    LONG    ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  151 

halls.  The  Odd  Fellow  fraternity  stands  promi- 
nently among  the  fraternal  organizations.  There 
are  three  lodges,  Hillsborough,  Mechanics,  and 
Wilday,  numbering  1,033  members.  We  have 
passed  pleasant  hours  among  the  brothers  at  all 
the  lodges. 

Our  watchword  is  "  Go  on  !  "  The  train  is  ready 
to  take  us  through  towns  and  villages  on  to 

HAVERHILL,    MASS., 

where  the  poet  Whittier  tells  his  story  of  the 
"  Barefoot  Boy":  — 

"  On  Haverhill's  pleasant  hills  there  played 
Some  seventy  years  ago, 
In  turned- up  trousers,  battered  hat, 
Patches,  and  freckles,  and  all  that, 
The  barefoot  boy  we  know." 

This  is  the  city  of  "  soles."  Making  shoes  is  the 
chief  occupation  of  all  classes. 

In  years  gone  by  I  had  the  opportunity  to  test 
the  friendship  of  scores  of  men  who  earned  their 
daily  bread  by  the  sweat  of  their  brow.  I  always 
found  them  with  hands  extended,  ready  to  perform 
kind  offices.  Mutual  Relief  and  Mizpah  lodges 
number  854  members.  They  occupy  a  beautiful 
hall.  The  membership  comprises  the  leading 
influential  business  men  of  the  city.  But  I  must 
have  some  of  the  brothers'  names  for  a  future 
reminder  of  the  pleasant  associations  during  our 
five  days'  visit  among  them.     Here   are  Brothers 


152  ON   THE    ROAD. 

E.  H.  Nichols,  the  printer  ;  Walter  Aycr,  the  hatter  ; 
Fred  S.  Howard,  Frank  B.  Emery,  E.  Frank 
Dollof,  Timothy  Hues,  Edgar  A.  Russell,  Charles 
W.  Webster,  C.  K.  Russell,  M.  D.  Malbon,  B. 
Frank  Holbrook,  and  sixty- five  others,  who  have 
promised  to  purchase  a  neat  pocket  album  and 
place  their  autographs  upon  its  pages  and  forward 
it  to  me  by  mail.  At  some  future  time  I  may 
exhibit  such  a  highly  prized  token  of  fraternal 
regard.  To  "  go  over  the  ground  clean,"  as  the 
haymakers  say  to  the  boy  who  rakes  after  the 
load,  we  should  circle  around  and  compass  Ames- 
bury,  Merrimac,  Newburyport,  Georgetown, 
Topsfield,  and  other  places  on  the  line  of  the 
Eastern  Division  of  the  Boston  &  Maine  Railroad ; 
but  we  will  leave  them  until  the  closing  up  of  the 
happy  days  of  our  long  journey.  In  Bible  times 
the  best  wine  was  kept  until  the  last  day  of  the 
feast. 

As  this  life  is  made  up  of  joy  and  sorrow,  so  is 
our  daily  experience.  Meeting  and  parting,  and 
must  it  ever  be?  We  hope  not.  It  is  no  use  to 
hang  our  harp  upon  the  willow  and  refuse  to 
sing,  or  be  unhappy,  because  we  are  on  board 
the  train  moving  out  of  the  station  with  our 
baggage  checked  for 

LOWELL, 

the  city  of  spindles,  the   home   of  General    Butler 
and  other  men  of  public  note.      Here  Odd  Fellow- 


A   LONG   ROAD   TO    [RAVEL.  1 53 

ship  flourishes.  There  are  seven  lodges,  with  a 
total  membership  of  2,151  and  two  lodges  of 
Daughters  of  Rebekah.  Past  Grand  Master  Hon. 
Francis  Jewett  is  an  active  member  in  Oberlin 
Lodge.  We  are  pleased  to  meet  so  many  brothers 
who  formerly  resided  in  Maine.  Brother  W.  H. 
Dane,  of  Lincoln  Lodge,  has  shown  us  much  at- 
tention. We  have  enjoyed  his  company  this 
evening  at  Highland  Lodge.  We  shall  ever  re- 
member the  courtesies  shown  us  by  Brothers 
Pressey,  Haskell,  Doyle,  Bennett,  Jones,  Jensen, 
Robey,  and  Batterson.  Brother  Henry  Wood,  the 
ever  faithful  janitor  of  Odd  Fellows  Hall,  shall  have 
a  place  in  our  kind  remembrances.  The  one  hun- 
dred and  forty-five  names  of  the  brothers  with 
whom  we  have  exchanged  friendly  greetings 
would  fill  the  pages  of  a  very  large  book  if  their 
autographs  were  after  the  John  Hancock  style  of 
chirography.  I  will  not  occupy  your  time,  Brother 
Reader,  with  looking  over  the  list,  as  we  have  only 
ten  minutes  to  get  on  board  the  train  for 

LAWRENCE, 

where  are  cotton  mills  and  various  manufacturing 
establishments.  There  are  two  lodges,  Lawrence 
and  Monadnock.  We  meet  but  few  brothers  at 
the  meeting  of  Lawrence  Lodge.  The  member- 
ship is  largely  men  of  foreign  birth.  Monadnock 
is  composed   of  young  men,  fired  with  zeal.     We 


154  ON   THE    ROAD. 

have  greatly  enjoyed  meeting  with  them  to-night 
This  is  a  fine  block.  It  is  the  property  of  the 
lodge,  occupied  by  lodges,  encampment,  and  a 
Rebekah  degree  lodge.  On  the  second  floor  is 
a  large  reading-room  and  library.  Brother  Tom 
Watts,  the  janitor  of  the  building,  is  the  first  to 
place  his  autograph  in  my  book.  He  is  followed 
by  Brothers  Eastman,  Cole,  Hooper,  Henderson, 
Bonney,  Warren,  Fattershall,  Chaney,  Anderson, 
and  a  dozen  others. 

The  time  is  drawing  near  for  the  great  event  in  the 
history  of  Massachusetts  Odd  Fellowship,  laying 
the  corner-stone  of  the  Odd  Fellows  Home  at 

WORCESTER,    MASS., 

a  booming  city  of  85,000  souls.  It  is  the  heart 
of  the  Commonwealth.  The  census  reports  show 
there  are  1,500  or  more  Maine  people  residing 
within  its  limits,  occupying  positions  of  trust  and 
responsibility  among  the  successful  business  men 
and  mechanics.  There  are  five  lodges,  Quinsiga- 
mond,  Worcester,  Central,  Ridgely,  and  Anchoria, 
having  a  total  membership  of  1,661.  Mt.  Vernon 
and  Wachusett  encampments  have  700  members ; 
Worcester,  Canton,  Patriarch,  Militant  has  125 
chevaliers.  Queen  Esther  and  Noami  lodges, 
Daughters  of  Rebekah,  have  800  members.  The 
lodges  and  encampments  occupy  halls  on  Pearl, 
Pleasant,  and  Front  street,  with  excellent  accom- 
modations. 


A    LONG   ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  1 55 

One  of  the  pleasant  and  best  appointed  institu- 
tions connected  with  Worcester  Odd  Fellowship 
are  the  rooms  of  the  Shaffner  Society  on  Main 
street,  a  suite  of  three  or  more  commodious  upper 
rooms,  in  this  large  block,  fitted  up  and  furnished 
in  fine  style  with  library  and  reading-room,  billiard 
hall  and  smoking-room.  Everything  connected 
with  it  is  for  the  convenience  and  comfort  of  the 
members  of  the  society,  —  Odd  Fellows  only,  — 
who  are  entitled  to  the  privileges  by  the  payment 
of  a  regularly  established  entrance  fee  and  yearly 
assessment.  In  these  rooms  the  members  of  the 
different  lodges  mingle  and  exchange  the  greet- 
ings of  the  fraternity. 

The  location  of  the  Home  in  Worcester,  and 
the  grand  demonstration  connected  with  the  laying 
of  the  corner-stone,  has  awakened  a  lively  interest 
in  the  resident  members  and  put  new  life  into  all 
branches  of  the  order,  and  has  induced  large  num- 
bers of  worthy  men  to  enter  the  circle  of  the  great 
and  honorable  brotherhood. 

We  will  make  the  city  our  headquarters  for  a 
number  of  weeks.  I  have  secured  nice  rooms  at 
146  Main  street.  To-night  we  will  attend  the 
meeting  of  Quinsigamond  Lodge.  The  initiatory 
first  and  second  degrees  are  to  be  conferred  upon 
His  Honor  Francis  A.  Harrington,  mayor  of  the 
city.  There  are  230  members  present.  Every 
inch  of  space  in  the  large  hall  is  occupied.  The 
work  has   been  finely  performed  by  a  thoroughly 


156  ON   THE    ROAD. 

drilled  degree  staff,  fully  up   to   the    mark   of  per- 
fection, in  point  of  accuracy. 

The  memorable  day,  October  8th,  has  dawned 
upon  us.  Thousands  of  people  from  all  parts  of 
the  State  are  crowding  into  the  city  to  take  in  or 
witness  the  magnificent  pageant.  The  sky  be- 
tokens rain,  and  now,  just  as  the  unbroken  column 
of  chevaliers,  patriarchs,  lodge  members,  Daughters 
of  Rebekah,  and  high  officials  in  carriages,  are 
moving  down  Main  street,  displaying  showy  uni- 
forms and  regalias  with  banners  spread,  and  the 
music  of  many  bands  floating  on  the  air,  the 
clouds  part,  and  the  fast  falling  rain  reverses  the 
programme.  This  is  a  vivid  picture  of  human  life. 
In  the  words  of  the  Scottish  bard,  "  The  best  laid 
plans  of  mice  and  men  gang  aft  agley." 

The  corner-stone  of  the  Home  has  been  fittingly 
laid,  and  the  visitors  are  fast  leaving  the  city. 
You  and  I,  Brother  Reader,  are  ready  to  return  to 
our  beds.  On  the  morrow  we  will  lay  out  a  route, 
and,  first  of  all,  we  will  take  in 

WESTBORO'. 

Here  we  are  in  a  busy  manufacturing  town. 
The  lodge  hall  is  near  by  the  railroad  station. 
The  boys  say  this  is  "  the  day  after,"  not  the 
Concord  fight ;  but  the  long  march  up  there 
and  back.  Not  very  much  can  we  expect  of  them 
after  such  a  hard  day's  experience.     Notwithstand- 


A   LONG   ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  I  57 

ing  the  weary  limbs  and  the  drooping  eyelids,  we 
meet  a  goodly  number  at  the  lodge,  with  Brother 
George  L.  Smith,  Noble  Grand,  to  despatch  the 
business.  The  evening  has  passed  pleasantly. 
Hockomock  Lodge  exhibited  a  noticeable  charac- 
ter among  its  members  on  the  day  of  the  grand 
parade  in  Worcester.  It  was  the  "  Big  Injun,"  a 
fine  representation  of  the  red-skin  tribe,  in  savage 
war  paint  and  feathers.  Some  of  the  uninitiated 
thought  him  to  be  a  native  of  the  wilds  of  Maine, 
for  sure,  when  he  was  following  the  trail  of  the 
pale  face  brothers,  watching  the  progress  of 
civilization,  and  feeling  the  benign  influences  of 
friendship  and  love.  The  brothers  here  to-night 
have  "  let  the  cat  out  of  the  bag."  We  are  sur- 
prised to  learn  that  the  bright  young  brother  who 
occupies  the  venerable  warden's  chair  was  the 
self-same  "  Injun."  We  have  had  a  jolly  time 
among  the  brothers,  and  will  not  detain  them  with 
any  long  stories,  as  they  are  ready  to  close  the 
lodge  and  go  to  their  homes  to  make  up  for 
lost  time,  in  the  land  of  pleasant  dreams. 

Brother  A.  D.  White,  janitor  of  the  hall,  desires 
us  to  call  upon  him  early  in  the  morning.  He 
will  escort  us  about  the  town.  We  shall  spend 
the  night  at  the  Whitney  House,  with  Landlord 
W.  J.  Taft,  a  worthy  brother. 

We  are  prompt  on  the  hour,  Brother  White, 
ready  for  a  walk  with  you.  We  desire  to  join 
hands  with  every    brother    we    may  meet  in    our 


I  5<S  ON   THE    ROAD. 

travels.  Here  is  George  L.  Smith,  Noble  Grand; 
and  now  we  meet  Brothers  Achorn,  Edwards, 
Easton,  Freeman,  Hasty,  Turner,  Leighton,  Ayer, 
Cutting,  Jordan,  Tufts,  Powers,  Ainsworth,  Bridgh, 
Browne,  Martin,  and  forty  others.  We  shall  be  at 
Lincoln  square  to  take  the    1.36  train  for 

MARLBORO'. 

It  will  be  quite  a  long  journey.  We  have  to 
change  at  Clinton  Junction.  The  time  has  passed 
quickly.  Yes,  this  is  the  hotel  we  were  advised  to 
stop  at.  It  is  only  a  step  from  the  depot.  We 
will  register  and  secure  comfortable  quarters  for 
the  night.  The  hall  of  Marlboro'  Lodge  is  a  little 
way  up  the  street.  It  is  near  the  hour  of  meet- 
ing. Here  are  Brothers  Hastings,  Bill,  Charlton, 
and  Brigham  enjoying  a  social  game  in  the  ante- 
room. They  "  throw  up  their  hands "  to  take 
ours,  and  say,  "  Welcome,  brothers  !"  This  is  a 
magnificent  hall,  one  of  the  best  we  have  entered 
in  the  State.  The  boys  say  there  is  no  work  or 
special  business  to  attend  to.  It  is  decided  to  fill 
up  the  time  with  familiar  talk,  Brother  Cook  to 
start  the  ball  in  motion ;  Brothers  Berry,  Ed. 
Bryham,  Andrews,  Clifford,  Woods,  Hart,  Jones, 
and  George  F.  Nelson  to  follow. 

Brother  George  H.  Bill  has  consented  to  show 
us  about  town  to-morrow,  "  if  the   rain   holds  off.' 
It  is  a  good  and  pleasant  thing  to  behold  the  sun 


A    LONG    ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  I  59 

this  morning.  We  leave  town  to-day  on  the  10.30 
train  and  go  directly  on  to 

LEOMINSTER,    MASS. 

Perhaps  it  will  be  well  to  step  into  the  meat 
market  and  inquire  of  the  man  attired  in  white 
where  we  can  obtain  a  good  "  square  meal."  It 
is  Brother  J.  W.  Stewart,  a  member  of  Iuka  Lodge, 
No.  311,  Kansas.  He  says,  "Any  one  who 
knows  you  to  be  strangers  will  take  you  in."  Yes, 
my  good  brother,  there  is  many  a  poor  fellow  in 
this  world  who  has  been  taken  in  among  strangers. 
Brother  Stewart  makes  known  another  fact,  that 
"the  woods  are  full  of  them."  He  would  have  us 
understand  that  there  are  over  two  hundred  and 
thirty  Odd  Fellows,  members  of  Leominster 
Lodge.  Having  supplied  the  wants  of  the  inner 
man,  we  will  call  on  Brother  F.  S.  Farnsworth, 
Noble  Grand,  L.  M.  Blood,  and  H.  E.  Burrage. 
We  will  be  at  the  hall  early  and  speak  a  word 
with  Brother  W.  F.  Watkins,  the  Secretary.  What 
has  called  out  so  many  brothers  to-night?  Con- 
ferring degrees  ;  official  visit  of  the  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  and  suite ;  and  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  ways  and  means  for  fitting  and 
furnishing  the  new  hall  now  in  progress  of  build- 
ing. The  hands  of  the  clock  point  to  twelve,  and 
still  the  talk  goes  on,  Brothers  Blood,  Turnbull, 
Haywood,  Garland,  and  twenty-five  others,  express 
their  opinions  on  the  debatable  questions. 


l6o  ON   THE    ROAD. 

A  few  miles  farther  on  the  line  of  the  railroad 
we  have  travelled  over  is  the  city  of 

FITCHBURG, 

a  great  railroad  centre  with  many  attractions.  We 
can  "take  in"  Mount  Roulstone  Lodge  to-night  by 
cutting  short  our  stay  in  this  place.  This  is  my 
first  visit  to  the  city.  Have  you  spent  any  time 
here,  Brother  Reader?  It  is  quite  a  smart  city, 
and  has  22,000  population.  This  is  a  steep  hill 
from  the  station.  Odd  Fellows  Hall  is  in  this 
brick  block.  See  the  "  I.  O.  O.  F."  over  the  en- 
trance. Here  is  Brother  N.  C.  Upham's  name  on 
this  sign.  We  will  ascend  the  stairs  and  introduce 
ourselves  to  him.  Very  courteous  and  communi- 
cative, wasn't  he?  Brother  F.  L.  Drury  is  in  the 
grocery  store  on  the  opposite  corner.  He  directs 
us  to  continue  down  the  street,  take  the  first  street  on 
the  left,  and  call  at  Dr.  E.  Luscomb's  residence. 
The  doctor  is  Noble  Grand  this  term.  He  answers 
the  bell.  He  suspects  we  are  in  want  of  professional 
services.  He  will  be  surprised  when  we  make  known 
the  real  object  of  our  visit.  I  will  show  him  my 
visiting-card  with  the  long  array  of  lodges  and 
signatures  of  secretaries  indorsed  on  it.  He  will 
soon  understand  that  it  is  not  pills  or  physic  we 
are  wanting,  but  something  more  palatable  to  the 
taste  and  less  troublesome  to  retain  on  the  stomach. 
He  assures  us,  with  his  open  right  hand,  that  there 


A    LONG    ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  l6l 

will  be  no  difficulty  in  gaining  admission  within  the 
walls  of  Mount  Roulstone  Lodge  to-night.  We 
will  now  call  at  the  machine-shop  and  see  Brother 
F.  E.  Brown,  secretary  of  the  lodge,  and  Brother 
F.  D.  Tuttle,  permanent  secretary,  at  the  railroad 
freight-office. 

There  is  a  large  attendance  of  brothers  at  the 
lodge ;  over  eighty  have  taken  seats  in  the  hall 
before  the  lodge  is  open.  There  is  a  lively  interest 
in  conferring  the  third  degree.  Past  Grand  G.  C. 
F.  Gillis  is  master  of  ceremonies,  assisted  by 
brothers  of  the  degree  staff.  The  work  has  been 
rendered  in  a  manner  not  excelled  by  any  lodge  in 
the  State  which  we  have  visited.  There  were  a 
number  of  new  features  introduced  in  dramatic 
work  which  I  have  never  witnessed  before ;  and 
the  occasion  has  been  one  of  rare  enjoyment  to 
me.  Does  it  strike  you  that  way,  Brother  Reader? 
Brothers  Osgood,  French,  Strout,  and  forty  others 
of  you,  please  place  your  names  in  my  book. 

We  have  only  a  step  across  the  street  to  the 
Drury  House.  We  must  be  up  "betimes"  in  the 
morning  to  take  the  first  train  for 

CLINTON. 

This  must  be  a  local-option  town  or  city,  if  I  am 
able  to  interpret  the  meaning  of  the  word 
"  lager."  Everything  about  the  town  exhibits 
signs    of   business    activity    and    thrift.     To    start 


1 62  ON   THE    ROAD. 

right  we  must  "  get  advices  "  from  a  brother  Odd 
Fellow.  I  remember  now  the  name  of  one  men- 
tioned by  a  brother  of  Ridgely  Lodge.  Here  it 
is  on  the  sign,  in  front  of  this  jewelry  store  — 
"Joseph  F.  Bartlett."  We  will  enter  and  try  him. 
He  answers  the  challenge  with  hand  and  voice. 
We  have  found  a  brother  and  a  friend.  There  is 
"a  ring"  in  almost  all  lodges,  so  it  is  said.  It 
would  be  a  strange  thing  if  we  did  not  find  a  ring 
in  a  jewelry  store.  Here  seems  to  be  one  made 
up  of  Brothers  Bartlett,  James,  A.  C.  Adams, 
E.  P.  Sawtell,  S.  W.  Tyler,  Warren  Goodale,  and 
S.  Rolla  Carter.  It  is  best  to  go  on  the  street, 
invite  more  brothers,  and  make  the  ring 
larger.  Here  arc  Brothers  F.  A.  Sawyer  and  A. 
E.  Jewett,  knights  of  the  razor.  This  is  a  very 
respectable  ring.  It  is  studded  with  the  precious 
stones  of 

"F.    L.   T." 

There  are  two  lodges  in  the  city,  Lancaster  and 
Clinton,  each  doing  work  in  advancing  the  cause 
of  the  Order,  growing  in  membership,  and  pros- 
perous. We  shall  remain  in  town  a  few  days, 
and  make  a  business  of  interviewing  the  brothers. 
While  I  am  taking  a  stroll  about  town,  you, 
Brother  Reader,  can  make  yourself  comfort- 
able in  the  hair-dressing  rooms  over  the  post- 
office,  and  place  yourself  in  the  hands  of  the 
scientific  tonsorial  artist,  Brother  Jewett.     Brother 


A    LONG    ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  1 63 

Sawyer,  the  proprietor,  sends  you  his  compliments. 
He  says :  — 

"Draw  near,  my  friend,  and  listen  to  it, 
The  wonders  of  '  Al.'  E.  Jewett; 
He  shaves  so  clean  and  cuts  so  nice, 
Will  brush  you  down  in  just  a  trice, 
With  water  hot  and  razors  keen; 
Walk  in,  my  friend,  he'll  shave  you  clean." 

Well,  Brother  Reader,  we  have  been  separated  for 
some  little  time.  I  am  curious  to  know  how  you 
fared  at  the  hands  of  the  knight  of  the  razor. 
Shaved  you  clean,  didn't  he? 

"  So  clean  he'll  shave,  that  you  will  find 
Not  even  the  skin  he'll  leave  behind." 

I  have  "  struck  a  bonanza."  See !  here  are 
one  hundred  and  thirty-seven  names  of  brothers 
who  have  purchased  copies  of  "Binding  of  the 
Links." 

You  are  at  liberty  to  look  the  list  over  at  any 
time ;  but  we  must  bid  adieu  to  the  good  brothers 
and  return  to  Worcester,  again  to  leave  a  pleasant 
home  and  part  with  kind  friends,  to  make  a  con- 
tinuous journey  into  the  western  section  of  the 
State,  stopping  first  at 

MILLBURY,    MASS., 

six  miles  out,  on  the  line  of  the  Boston  &  Albany 
road.     The  icy  streets  remind  us  that  "  the  wicked 


164  ON    THE    ROAD. 

stand  on  slippery  places."  I  will  engage  a  pas- 
sage with  the  mail-carrier.  He  says  we  will  find 
"a  Hood  feller"  in  the  laundry,  around  in  Post- 
Office  square.  I  will  rap  on  the  door.  Hark  !  a 
voice  within  calls,  "Who  comes  there?" — "We 
are  pilgrims  and  strangers,  in  search  of  food  and  a 
comfortable  shelter  for  the  night."  It  is  Brother 
Stone,  Noble  Grand.  He  is  leading  the  way  to 
an  inn.  Do  you  see  that  bright  light,  Brother 
Reader,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street,  shining 
through  the  transparency,  bearing  the  words, 
"  Morning  Star  Lodge,  I.O.O.F.  Welcome  Vis- 
itors"? Here  are  a  few  of  the  faithful  gathered 
in  the  audience-room  at  this  early  hour.  They 
little  expected  to  have  visitors  come  into  their 
circle  to-night.  Small  attendance;  no  work  or 
special  business  to  occupy  the  time.  Albeit  there 
are  seeming  discouragements,  the  meeting  has 
been  one  of  interest  to  all  present.  It  has  been 
what  a  family  should  be, — harmonious,  and  every 
member  active  in  promoting  brotherly  love  and 
the  welfare  of  his  fellow-man.  Let  us  have  your 
hands,  Brothers  Maxwell,  Powers,  Edgar  S.  Stone, 
Scarles,  Dean,  Cudworth,  Bolster,  Barron,  Van 
Ostrand,  Goss,  Coffin,  and  a  dozen  others,  before 
we  separate  for  the  night. 

While  stopping  at  Worcester,  I  met  a  stranger 
standing  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Front  streets, 
one  pleasant  September  day.  On  his  vestment 
were   the  modest  three   golden   links.     I   had   no 


A   LONG    ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  1 65 

difficulty  in  ascertaining  his  name,  his  place  of 
residence,  and  his  occupation.  It  was  Brother 
J.  M.  Newton,  a  worthy  Odd  Fellow.  He  was 
greatly  interested  in  the  grand  event  then  soon  to 
take  place,  —  laying  the  corner-stone,  in  which, 
he  said,  "  The  members  of  Good  Will  Lodge  will 
take  an  active  part."  He  invited  me  to  visit  the 
stirring  town  of 

SPENCER. 

It  is  on  the  direct  line  of  the  railroad,  a  few 
miles  from  Millbury.  Will  you  accompany  me, 
Brother  Reader?  I  remember  Brother  Newton's 
saying  that  he  occupied  the  office  over  the  post- 
office,  with  A.  W.  Curtis,  Esq.  This  is  a  "  pointer  " 
for  us.  We  have  only  to  find  out  in  what  direction 
the  post-office  is  from  the  railroad  station,  and  we 
will  come  out  all  right.  Here  are  the  names  on  the 
door,  "A.  W.  Curtis,  Attorney-at-Law  ;  J.  M.  New- 
ton, Deputy  Sheriff."  We  are  in  a  way  to  obtain 
legal  advice,  and  be  taken  care  of , should  we  go 
wrong.  I  will  break  the  ice  and  address  the  gen- 
tleman seated  at  the  desk.  "  Is  this  Mr.  Curtis  ?  "  — 
"That  is  my  name.  What  do  you  desire?"  —  "  We 
are  members  of  the  '  chain  gang,'  and  desire 
to  find  the  headquarters  of  Good  Will  Lodge." 
Ah  !  this  is  not  only  Lawyer  Curtis,  but  a  brother 
and  a  friend.  He  directs  us  to  the  house  of  Mrs. 
Slayton,  a  Daughter  of  Rebekah,  where  we  may 
be   accommodated   with   agreeable   entertainment. 


1 66  ON   THE   ROAD. 

Now  we  arc  well  fixed,  and  free  to  look  about  the 
town.  Here  is  "the  largest  shoe  manufacturing 
establishment  in  the  world,"  so  they  say.  It  is 
near  the  hour  for  lodge  meeting.  Here  are  fifty 
or  more  brothers  in  the  hall,  and  more  to  follow. 
Here  is  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  C.  E.  Olney 
and  suite.  They  have  come  to  inspect  the  work. 
The  staff  are  preparing  to  confer  the  second  degree. 
It  is  past  eleven  o'clock,  and  the  business  of  the 
lodge  is  not  finished.  Brother  Reader,  you  and  I 
had  better  retire ;  we  may  be  locked  out  for  the 
night.  Yes,  the  door  is  bolted.  I  will  ring  the 
bell.  There  is  no  response.  Ring  again.  I  hear 
footsteps.  It  is  the  voice  of  a  female  speaking. 
She  asks,  "Who  are  you?  Where  do  you  come 
from  at  this  late  hour  of  night?  "  I  will  give  her 
a  token.  It  is  all  right.  "  The  door  is  open,"  she 
says  ;  "  enter,  patriarchs."  The  rising-bell  has  not 
a  welcome  sound  this  morning,  when  one  is  so 
tired  and  weary  with  the  toils  of  life. 

"  What  though  we're  tired,  my  heart  and  I? 
It  matters  not,  there's  more  to  come; 
We  must  live  on,  we  cannot  die, 
Must  rise  and  gird  our  armor  on." 

I  have  left  my  book  containing  the  autographs 
of  Brothers  Curtis,  Knowlton,  White,  Bacon,  Wat- 
son, J.  M.  Newton,  and  twenty-five  others,  in  the 
hall.  I  must  hasten  and  get  it  before  we  go  to 
the  station  to  take  the  train  for 


A   LONG   ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  1 67 


WARREN. 

It  has  been  a  short  and  pleasant  ride.  Here  we 
are  in  the  heart  of  the  village.  The  direction  in 
my  note-book  reads  :  "  Call  at  Tarbell  Brothers, 
clothing,  on  Main  street."  Here  is  the  place. 
This  young  man  must  be  Mr.  George  E.  Tarbell. 
He  answers  to  the  name.  He  introduces  us  to 
Brothers  D.  E.  Grand,  E.  L.  Fosket,  and  H.  S. 
Howe.  This  must  be  the  headquarters  for  the 
brothers.  I  have  a  constant  reminder  —  a  corn  — 
that  "Jordan  is  a  hard  road  to  travel."  So  we 
will  be  content  to  rest  until  the  shades  of  night 
appear  and  the  lights  burn  brightly  in  the  lodge 
hall.  It  is  a  neat,  cosey  room,  fitted  up  in  the  third 
story  of  the  town  hall.  There  is- no  work  to-night, 
and  but  few  members  present.  We  are  pleased 
to  meet  such  warm-hearted  brothers  as  Holly, 
Price,  Nash,  Adams,  Graham,  Pendergrast,  Sime, 
Sweetzer,  Moore,  Nichols,  Drake,  and  Smith. 

It  is  morning.  We  are  told  to  "  Make  haste  ! 
speed  !  stay  not!  "  for  the  train  is  moving  out  of 
the  station.     It  is  the    train  that  will   take  us  to 

PALMER, 

The  adage,  "  a  miss  is  as  good  as  a  mile,"  may  be 
consoling  when  one  has  had  a  hairbreadth  escape 
from  being  killed  ;  but  this  getting  on  board  the 
train  "  by  the  skin  of  the  teeth  "  is  not  at  all  a 


1 68  ON   THE   ROAD. 

pleasant  or  a  safe  thing  to  do ;  but,  thanks  to  a 
kind  Providence,  we  are  here  all  right,  and  are 
rushing  along  at  full  speed.  The  journey  has 
been  pleasant  and  safe.  It  is  dangerous  crossing 
this  net-work  of  rails  and  sleepers  while  puffing 
locomotives  are  moving  about  in  every  direction. 
There  is  a  safe  way  by  the  overhead  bridge,  a  few 
steps  below  the  station.  Let  us  inquire  at  this 
store  for  Brother  C.  A.  Royes.  He  recommends 
us  to  Brother  Harraman's  house  for  comfortable 
lodgings.  Brother  H.  is  a  member  of  Hampden 
Lodge,  Springfield.  We  will  find  excellent  fare 
at  Brother  George  F.  Hill's  restaurant  down  the 
street,  near  the  railroad  crossing.  Brother  W.  B. 
Ham  will  show  us  about  the  town.  The  first  store 
we  enter  is  Ed.  Goodie's,  the  man  of  soles ;  a 
whole-souled  Odd  Fellow  he  is,  too.  Here  are 
Brothers  McQuid,  Patrell,  and  Harrison.  We  will 
continue  down  the  street,  call  at  all  the  stores  and 
shops,  and  speak  a  word  with  Brothers  Clark, 
Marcy,  Millard,  Robinson,  Conant,  Richardson, 
and  a  host  more  of  them.  It  is  now  time  to 
return  for  dinner.  Here  is  Brother  and  Mrs. 
Bennett,  the  guests  of  Brother  Hill,  from 
Kcene,  N.H.  Our  work  in  this  town  is  about 
finished.  We  will  look  inside  the  lodge  hall, 
and  take  in  its  length  and  breadth. 

We  have  had  fifteen  miles'  ride  this  beautiful 
morning.  Soon  we  shall  arrive  at  the  emporium 
of  Western  Massachusetts, 


A   LONG    ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  1 69 


SPRINGFIELD. 

Odd  Fellows  block  is  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
city.  We  can  readily  find  C.  W.  Mutell  &  Co.'s 
headquarters.  It  is  in  the  Odd  Fellows  build- 
ing. Here  is  the  new  post-office  building.  I 
see  Brother  Mutell's  office  from  this  corner. 
We  will  walk  over.  Good-morning,  Brother  Mu- 
tell ;  glad  to  meet  you.  Allow  me  to  introduce 
you  to  my  brother  and  friend,  Mr.  Reader.  We 
are  here  for  the  purpose  of  taking  in  all  we  can 
that  is  good  in  your  booming  city.  Our  first 
business  is  to  secure  a  comfortable  home.  Brother 
Mutell  recommends  the  Vendome.  That  name 
is  high-sounding  to  us ;  but  we  will  accompany 
the  brother  who  kindly  offers  to  escort  us  to  the 
house  and  introduce  us  to  Mrs.  Blackman,  the 
landlady.     We  are  assigned  pleasant  rooms. 

I  have  business  at  the  Western  Union  Tele- 
graph office.  Here  is  Grand  Master  Henry 
Denver.  He  recognizes  me  as  the  veteran  Odd 
Fellow  who  was  introduced  to  the  Grand  Lodge  in 
this  jurisdiction,  February  13,  1890,  by  Grand 
Instructor  Price.  There  are  four  flourishing 
lodges  in  the  city :  Hampden,  Amity,  Morning 
Star,  and  De  Soto.  We  shall  remain  here  a  week, 
or  longer,  and  visit  them  all.  Hampden,  Amity, 
and  Morning  Star  lodges  occupy  the  hall  in  Odd 
Fellows  building.  De  Soto  has  a  hall  farther 
down  the  street.     This  is  my  first  visit  to  lodges 


I/O  ON  THE   ROAD. 

in  this  city.  I  have  been  greatly  interested  in  the 
work  of  conferring  the  second  degree  this  even- 
ing. There  were  one  or  more  of  the  members 
of  the  original  degree  staff  of  De  Soto  Lodge  on 
the  floor. 

I  ask  a  favor  of  the  brothers  to  place  their 
names  in  my  book.  Grand  Master  Henry  Den- 
ver is  the  first.  Here  follows  A.  L.  Pease,  Noble 
Grand ;  S.  W.  White,  Secretary ;  John  Lobsitz, 
Treasurer;  F.  A.  Barbour,  V  L.  Owen,  M.D., 
Frank  L.  Leonard,  Fred  H.  Colton,  Past  Grands; 
and  a  number  of  others.  If  we  had  the  time  we 
could  gather  sufficient  statistics  to  fill  a  volume 
equal  in  size  to  Webster's  Unabridged  Dictionary. 
I  had  in  mind  the  name  of  Rev.  Marion  Crosley, 
formerly  pastor  of  the  Church  of  the  Messiah, 
Portland,  Me.,  now  settled  over  the  Universalist 
church  in  this  city.  We  will  visit  him  at  his 
home  before  leaving  this  morning. 

We  can  pass  an  enjoyable  evening  with  the 
members  of  Tokoa  Lodge, 

WEST   SPRINGFIELD. 

It  is  a  short  ride  on  the  street-cars  to  that  town. 
Here  are  a  goodly  number  of  the  brothers.  They 
have  come  from  the  labors  of  the  day :  engi- 
neers, firemen,  mechanics,  workmen  in  machine- 
shops,  foundries,  and  various  places  of  industry. 
They  are  men  possessing  honest  hearts.     Brother 


A   LONG   ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  I  7 1 

Seymour  is  the  first  to  head  the  list.  He  is  followed 
by  A.  A.  Lewis,  E.  F.  Brann  (formerly  of  Gardiner, 
Me.),  C.  A.  Palmer,  E.  A.  Adams,  N.  A.  Tink- 
ham,  and  Robert  G.  Peterson.  We  are  greatly 
obliged  to  the  brothers  for  their  kind  attention. 

This  is  an  off  night  for  lodge  meetings  in  the 
city.  We  had  better  follow  the  suggestion  of 
Grand  Master  Denver,  and  go  to 

CHICOPEE   FALLS. 

The  weather  is  not  propitious  for  a  large  attend- 
ance at  Chicopee  Lodge ;  but  this  seems  to  be  the 
only  opportunity  for  visiting  the  brothers  in  that 
village.  We  go  by  train.  The  lodge  hall  is  up 
the  street,  near  where  the  light  is  shining.  Here 
comes  the  janitor  with  a  lantern  and  keys.  He 
will  open  the  door.  He  asks  our  names  and 
where  we  come  from.  Brother  Markman  gives  us 
a  cordial  welcome,  says  he  is  afraid  there  will  not 
be  many  of  the  brothers  out  to-night;  there  is  no 
work.  He  has  despatched  a  messenger  to  go  out 
into  the  "  highways  and  hedges "  to  invite  the 
brothers  to  come  in  that  we  may  have  a  happy 
meeting.  See  !  Before  the  hour  for  opening  the 
lodge,  there  are  many  more  brothers  present  than 
often  "  show  up  "  in  lodges  with  fourfold  larger 
membership  than  it,  unless  it  be  at  a  banquet. 
The  brothers,  one  and  all,  have  done  their  part 
toward  filling  to  the  brim  our  cup  of  joy.     Such 


172  ON   THE    ROAD. 

acts  of  good-will  as  these  brothers  have  per- 
formed go  far  toward  smoothing  the  rough  places 
along  life's  highway.  In  order  that  we  may  not 
get  them  mixed  with  the  hundreds  of  others,  I 
will  ask  "  the  boys  "  to  give  me  their  autographs. 
R.  D.  Earle,  T.  E.  Bigelow,  W.  H.  Hamilton,  L. 
I.  Gibbs,  Thos.  J.  Schofield,  James  H.  Loomis, 
J.  Cowperthwa'te,  L.  R.  Wright,  Thomas  Ed- 
wards, and  Geo.  D.  Bartlett. 

We  are  now  about  to  make  our  last  visit  to 
lodges  in  this  part  of  the  State.  It  is  a  cold, 
rainy  day,  November  17.  We  would  gladly 
remain  in  our  comfortable  quarters  in  the  city; 
but  every  day  brings  its  labors  and  responsibil- 
ities.    We  feel  obliged  to  journey  on  to 

WESTFIELD, 


a  town  of  wide-spread  reputation  among  Odd 
Fellows  in  the  New  England  States.  Here  is  the 
home  office  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Fraternal  Ac- 
cident Association  of  America.  Brother  H.  N. 
Kingsbury  is  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  asso- 
ciation. He  is  also  Noble  Grand  of  Woronaco 
Lodge.  We  will  call  at  his  office.  The  lady  at 
the  desk  says,  "  Brother  Kingsbury  started  for 
Springfield  a  short  time  ago,  by  private  team,  in 
company  with  a  friend,  to  hear  Professor  Stanley 
speak  this  evening."  It  would  be  pleasant  to  find 
comfortable  quarters  where  we  could  rest  until  the 


A    LONG    ROAD   TO   TRAVEL.  I  73 

hour  of  lodge  meeting.  Here  is  an  Odd  Fellow; 
we  will  make  our  wishes  known  to  him.  He  says, 
"  If  you  do  not  care  to  put  up  at  the  Metropolitan, 
home-like  accommodations  can  be  had  for  the 
night  at  number  27  Main  street,  Mrs.  Smith's 
boarding-house.  We  will  inquire.  Yes,  Mrs. 
Smith  and  her  daughter  will  furnish  us  with  the 
best  their  house  affords.  Who  could  do  more? 
What  is  more  enjoyable  for  a  man  who  has  seen 
years  and  experienced  many  changes,  away  from 
his  home  and  family,  than  a  seat  in  the  large  rock- 
ing-chair facing  the  bright  open  fire,  with  interest- 
ing literature  at  hand? 

There  is  a  small  attendance  at  the  lodge.  Vice- 
Grand  James  L.  Smith  conducts  the  business  of 
the  meeting.  It  will  be  pleasant  to  read  the 
names  of  the  brothers  who  have  received  us  so 
cordially.  I  will  detain  them  a  few  moments  at 
the  close  of  the  meeting  and  request  them  to  use 
the  pen.  Here,  Brother  Henry  Randall,  please 
start  the  ball.  Next  come  Dr.  Caswell,  Wm.  Al- 
stram,  Wm.  McGiven,  H.  B.  Norton,  L.  H.  Dicky, 
H.  S.  Pierce,  F.  P.  Coase,  F.  W.  Bosworth,  and 
James  L.  Smith.  Westfield  Lodge  meets  on  Fri- 
day night;  but  we  cannot  visit  the  brothers  at  this 
time,  as  we  must  return  to  Springfield  this  morn- 
ing, after  calling  upon  Brother  Kingsbury.  Mrs. 
George  Smith,  our  landlady,  desires  to  place  her 
name  in  my  book.  We  are  pleased  to  have  its 
pages  graced  by  the  name  of  the  hospitable 
"  mother  in  Israel." 


174  ON  TIIE  Road. 


Chapter  XVII. 

LITTLE     RIIODY,    AND    HOMEWARD 
BOUND. 

We  will  purchase  tickets  at  this  station  for  a 
through  passage  to 

PROVIDENCE,    R.  I. 

Our  route  is  over  the  same  ground  as  we  travelled 
all  the  way  from  Worcester.  It  is  the  fast  express. 
We  shall  make  but  few  stops  on  the  way.  This  is 
Woonsocket.  A  short  time  will  bring  us  to  our 
objective  point.  Here  we  are,  entering  the  station. 
We  will  cross  the  square  and  walk  up  Exchange 
street.  It  is  near  the  hour  for  supper.  Let 
us  go  into  this  dining-room.  Here  is  my  good 
brother,  Lindsay  Anderson,  looking  as  he  did 
years  ago.  He  has  changed  his  quarters.  I 
think  the  present  location  is  better  than  the  other 
up  on  the  street.  Here  is  Brother  Peter  Trumpler, 
Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the  jurisdiction. 

We  will  find  excellent  fare  at  Brother  Anderson's 
tables.  We  have  secured  comfortable  rooms  up 
town.     Now  everything  is  all  right  for  business. 

There  are  nineteen  lodges  in  the  city  and  suburbs, 
with  over  2,600  members.  Two  lodges  meet  on 
Monday  night,  seven  on  Tuesday,  four  on  Wednes- 


LITTLE  RHODY,  AND  HOMEWARD  BOUND.      I  75 

day,  three  on  Thursday,  and  three  on  Friday.  Six 
of  the  lodges  meet  in  Odd  Fellows  Hall,  97  Wey- 
bosset  street.  There  are  other  halls:  one  at  192 
and  one  at  146  Westminster  street,  in  the  Conrad 
building,  in  Lyceum  building,  at  373  High  street, 
at  18  Chalkston  avenue,  in  Unity  Hall,  South 
Providence,  in  Academy  avenue,  in  Elks  Hall,  and 
in  North  Main  street.  We  will  need  a  guide  to 
find  them  all. 

This  is  Wednesday  evening.  Roger  Williams 
Lodge  meets  at  97  Weybosset  street.  We  will  go 
there.  Perhaps  I  may  see  some  of  my  brothers 
of  former  days.  Yes,  here  is  Brother  W.  H.  T. 
Mosley,  treasurer  of  the  lodge.  He  still  holds 
the  offices  of  Grand  Secretary  and  Grand  Scribe 
in  the  Grand  bodies.  Past  Grand  Master  Lindsey 
Anderson  is  always  present,  and  just  as  interested 
in  the  affairs  of  the  lodge  to-day  as  when  I  met 
here  years  ago.  We  are  pleased  to  make  the  ac- 
quaintance of  George  T.  Kilner,  Noble  Grand. 

Let  us  look  over  the  names  of  the  lodges  we 
have  visited :  Roger  Williams,  Eagle,  Olive 
Branch,  Canonicus,  Hope,  James  Wood,  Swarts, 
Pilgrim,  North  Star,  Friendly  Union,  Westminster, 
Manufacturers',  and  Mayflower.  I  have  two  hun- 
dred and  sixty-three  autographs  of  the  brothers. 
Here  are  some  of  them  :  Wm.  R.  Dutemple, 
P.G.M.;  Eugene  H.  Lincoln,  P. G.M. ;  Lester  S. 
Hill,  P.G.M.;  Hollis  M.  Coombs,  P.G.M.  ;  Edwin 
A.  Beasley,  P.G.P. ;   Fred  A.  Gay,  F.  C.  Balcom. 


IjG  ON   THE    ROAD. 

We  cannot  soon  forget  the  enjoyable  hour  we 
passed  in  Pilgrim,  Swarts,  James  Wood,  and 
Westminster  lodges.  The  boys  of  Pilgrim 
Lodge,  on  the  hill,  made  our  visit  one  of  pleasure. 
They  were  "  glad  to  have  us  come."  Although 
but  few  in  numbers,  they  possessed  hearts  throb- 
bing with  kind  emotions.  Please  examine  the  list 
of  names  of  the  brothers  present  that  evening: 
Hoffers,  Cook,  Gore,  Robinson,  Addy,  Martin, 
Tyler,  Fenner,  Homer,  Cox,  and  Lewis. 

I  was  glad  to  meet  so  many  of  the  brothers  of 
Swarts  Lodge  who  remembered  me  so  kindly  at 
the  time  of  my  visit  among  them  three  years  be- 
fore :  Giddings,  Wilson,  Devon,  Griswold,  John- 
son, Wood,  and  others.  Do  you  remember  the 
jubilee  "  the  boys  "  of  Westminster  Lodge  had  the 
night  we  met  them  in  Conrad  building?  They 
took  the  business  into  their  own  hands.  There 
were  thirty-five  present.  Brother  W.  A.  Viall  sat 
me  down  near  the  secretary's  desk,  and  took  pos- 
session of  the  contents  of  my  grip.  He  declared 
he  would  not  leave  a  copy  of  "  Binding  of  the 
Links"  unsold.  He  was  as  good  as  his  word, 
for  before  the  Noble  Grand  called  the  lodge  to 
order  every  book  was  disposed  of,  and  he  had 
orders  for  more  copies  to  be  filled  the  next  day. 

When  such  brothers  as  Johnson,  Gardner,  Holt, 
Cranston,  Potter,  Creswcll,  and  thirty  others  get 
started  on  a  raid,  it  requires  something  more  than 
an  average  stripling  to  stop  them.     It  was  on  the 


LITTLE  RHODY,  AND  HOMEWARD  BOUND.      I  77 

evening  of  December  2d  when  James  Wood 
Lodge  had  the  brothers  of  Swarts  and  Park  Hill 
lodges  for  its  guests,  in  the  beautiful  Academy 
Hall.  The  spread  furnished  by  James  Wood  was 
befitting  an  embassy  of  dukes  and  lords.  Brothers 
Colvin,  McCarthy,  Doten,  James,  and  Past  Grand 
Master  Coombs  entertained  the  jovial  company 
with  pleasing  talk.  We  have  nearly  finished  up 
our  work  in  this  city.  It  is  best  for  us  to  visit 
that  other  younger  blooming  city  of 

PAWTUCKET. 

The  horse-cars  will  take  us  near  the  hall  of  Good 
Samaritan  Lodge.  I  remember  meeting  with  the 
brothers  in  1882.  Yes,  here  is  the  same  room  I 
was  in  eight  years  ago.  Here  is  the  big  stove, 
and  the  seats  along  the  wall  where  the  boys  sat 
and  enjoyed  their  smoke.  Here  are  the  stairs 
leading  up  to  the  hall  above.  Everything  comes 
fresh  to  my  memory.  I  wonder  if  any  of  these 
brothers  standing  by  the  stove  will  remember  me. 
I  will  introduce  myself  to  them.  Here  are  Broth- 
ers Fisk,  Washburn,  Barney,  Stoddard,  Daven- 
port, Eastman,  Peterson,  and  fifteen  others. 
Some  of  the  younger  ones  have  come  in  since  I 
was  here.  It  is  election  of  officers.  Brother 
Charles  Barnes  is  Noble  Grand.  There  does  not 
appear  to  be  very  much  fighting  for  the  offices. 
The  warden  has  about  all   that   there    is   to   do   in 


178  I  >\    THE    ROAD. 

casting  the  ballot  of  the  lodge.  The  business  of 
the  meeting  has  been  quickly  despatched,  and  we 
are  just  in  time  to  take  the  car  back  to  Provi- 
dence. 

\\  e  have  made  our  last  visit  to  lodges  in  this 
city.  We  will  go  to  Pawtucket  to-night  and  meet 
with  the  brothers  of  Enterprise  Lodge.  The 
streets  will  be  in  better  condition  for  pedestrians 
than  when  we  travelled  them  one  week  ago.  The 
hall  of  Enterprise  Lodge  is  down  the  street  in 
that  tall  brick  block  with  the  clock  on  the  tower. 
We  are  a  little  early,  but  the  door  is  not  locked. 
Here  is  a  dim  light.  It  will  be  nice  and  comfort- 
able by  the  hot  coal  fire.  We  have  a  good  view 
of  this  part  of  the  city  by  gaslight.  The  post- 
office  building  is  being  remodelled  and  greatly 
improved.  Listen  !  I  hear  footsteps  on  the  stairs. 
The  door  opens.  It  is  Brother  P.  A.  Moon,  also 
Azariah  Fiske,  G.  M.  Woodward,  L.  F.  Butler, 
Noble  Grand,  and  a  dozen  others.  It  is  election 
of  officers.  Quite  an  interesting  and  animated 
time.  We  should  be  pleased  to  remain  with  you, 
brothers,  but  circumstances  make  it  necessary  for 
us  to  retire  before  the  lodge  is  regularly  closed. 
This  is  our  last  night  in  Rhode  Island.  We  are 
sorry  to  leave  the  State  and  the  many  kind  broth- 
ers whom  we  have  met.  We  hope  to  meet  you 
and  hundreds  of  others  again  before  many  winters 
have  passed.  Good-night,  brothers  !  We  will  re- 
turn to  our  headquarters,  take  account  of  stock, 


LITTLE  RHODY,  AND  HOMEWARD  BOUND.      I  79 

speak  the  parting  words  with  whatever  brothers 
we  may  chance  to  meet,  and  take  the  early  train 
for 

TAUNTON,  MASS. 

This  is  a  city  of  25,448  population,  with  numerous 
furnaces  and  many  manufacturing  establishments. 
We  find  but  few  loafers  about  the  street-corners 
here.  All  who  have  a  disposition  to  work  can 
find  employment.  The  people  are  of  the  stirring 
kind.  "Progress"  is  their  watchword.  I  have 
no  personal  acquaintances  in  the  city.  The  only 
name  that  would  sound  familiar,  if  I  should  hear 
it  spoken,  is  Leander  Gifford,  permanent  secretary 
of  King  Philip  Lodge.  In  1882  I  sent  out  sample 
copies  of  the  "Odd  Fellows'  Register"  to  the 
secretaries  of  lodges  throughout  the  New  England 
States.  In  response  to  my  request  for  brothers  of 
lodges  to  interest  themselves  in  increasing  the 
circulation  of  the  "  Register,"  I  received  a  letter 
from  Brother  Gifford,  of  this  city,  enclosing  a  list 
of  subscribers  and  a  money-order  for  the  payment 
of  the  yearly  subscription.  This  created  a  friendly 
correspondence,  and  frequent  letters  passed  be- 
tween us.  The  "  Register  "  was  favored  from  time 
to  time  with  interesting  communications  on  matters 
connected  with  Odd  Fellowship  in  its  different 
branches. 

I  do  not  know  where  to   find   the  brother;   but 
I  do  not  apprehend  there  will  be  any  great  diffi- 


ISO  ON   TIFF.    ROAD. 

culty  in  the  matter.  Here  is  a  grocery  store. 
The  names  on  the  sign  are  "  Gilford  &  Horton." 
We  may  be  able  to  learn  the  whereabouts  of  the 
Gifford  we  are  in  pursuit  of.  Jnst  so !  The 
young  man  says,  "  Leander  is  my  father."  He  is 
a  machinist,  employed  by  a  large  manufacturing 
company.  His  house  is  on  Cohannet  street.  I 
really  believe  I  shall  know  the  brother  at  sight. 
That  is  the  gentleman  advancing  towards  us.  "Is 
this  Brother  Gifford  I  address?"  —  "  Yes,  sir,  that 
is  my  name."  —  "Well,  to  go  farther,  do  you  re- 
member the  name  of  the  editor  of  the  '  O.  F. 
Register,'  when  that  journal  was  published  in 
Portland,  Me.?" — "Oh,  yes.  It  was  Brother 
Kilby." —  "  You  now  have  him  by  the  hand."  We 
follow  him  to  the  house  near  by.  This  is  the 
home  of  a  kind  brother  and  his  wife,  a  Daughter 
of  Rebekah.  He  says  we  are  to  make  it  our 
home  while  we  remain  in  the  city.  A  quiet  rest 
on  the  sofa  before  the  fire  will  conduce  more  to 
the  comfort  and  enjoyment  of  a  weary  traveller 
suffering  from  a  torturing  headache  than  wander- 
ing about  the  streets  of  a  strange  city.  Good 
Samaritan  Lodge  meets  this  evening.  We  have 
Brother  Gifford  to  show  us  the  way  and  introduce 
us.  Here  are  a  wide-awake  lot  of  "  boys."  Brother 
W.  F.  Jennsine  is  round  among  them.  He  is 
preaching  a  short  sermon  to  Brothers  Vinecombe, 
Winslow,  Porter,  Whitters,  Elliott,  and  others. 
There  is  work  in  conferring  the  second  and  third 


LITTLE  RIIODY,  AND  HOMEWARD  BOUND.     l8l 

decrees  on  a  number  of  candidates.  We  will  not 
remain  late.  "  Brother  Jennsine,  you  will  please 
convey  our  kind  regards  to  the  brothers  in  open 
lodge,  and  invite  as  many  of  them  as  can  make 
it  convenient  to  attend  King  Philip  Lodge,  Thurs- 
day evening."  We  agree  to  give  them  a  pleasing 
entertainment.  "Brother  Gifford,  we  are  prepared 
to  retire  with  you  to  find  rest  under  the  patri- 
arch's tent."  This  is  a  disagreeable,  rainy  morning. 
Our  plans  for  "  doing  the  town  "  are  frustrated. 
Perhaps  we  may  dodge  out  between  showers  and 
see  some  of  the  brothers.  Here  is  Frank  P. 
Elliott,  A.  W.  Hall,  J.  C.  Barstow,  L.  S.  Walker, 
C.  E.  Jones,  and  S.  H.  Soule.  I  have  the  names 
of  forty-seven  in  my  book. 

Glad  to  see  the  clouds  rolling  by;  we  shall  have 
a  fine  evening  for  our  meeting.  Brother  Gifford 
proposes  that  we  take  a  street-car  and  ride  directly 
to  the  hall.  This  large  number  of  brothers  have 
come  in  to  hear  what  you,  Brother  Reader,  and  I 
have  to  say  to  them.  We  will  try  to  interest  them. 
We  have  passed  our  time  pleasantly  in  the  city, 
have  been  hospitably  entertained  by  Brother  Gif- 
ford and  his  estimable  wife  and  the  members  of 
their  household.     We  must  now  proceed  to 

ATTLEBORO'. 

The  principal  business  of  the  town  is  manu- 
facturing jewelry.  The  storm  will  greatly  interfere 
with  our  taking  a  walk.     We  will   make  ourselves 


1 82  ON     THE    ROAD. 

comfortable  at  the  Bates  Mouse  until  evening. 
Orient  Lodge  Hall  is  on  Main  street,  in  that  hand- 
some new  block  near  the  post-office.  We  will  go 
over  to  the  hall.  Perhaps  it  may  be  open.  No 
light  yet.  We  will  be  just  as  comfortable  seated  on 
the  stairs  as  in  any  other  place.  The  door  opens. 
I  behold  the  face  of  a  man  under  the  gaslight. 
He  is  moving  slowly  up,  up  the  second  flight. 
Perhaps  he  is  an  Odd  Fellow.  Yes,  it  is  Brother 
W.  J.  Newman.  This  is  a  beautiful,  large  hall, 
with  first-class  appointments.  But  there  is  a  lack 
of  interest  among  the  members.  The  cause,  they 
say,  for  it  all  is  that  there  are  so  many  secret  and 
beneficial  organizations  in  the  town  that  people 
cannot  attend  them  all.  The  burden  of  taxation 
is  destroying  the  energy  and  life  of  those  who  are 
trying  to  carry  the  load  ;  consequently  the  seats  in 
the  spacious  hall  are  many  of  them  vacant  on 
lodge  nights. 

We  are  pleased  to  pass  the  evening  with  Brothers 
Edward  Burtonwood,  John  Slater,  S.  E.  Amesbury, 
and  M.  F.  Ashley.  We  hope  to  visit  them  again 
when  the  sun  of  prosperity  shines  more  brightly, 
to  cheer  them  in  their  work. 

We  take  the  first  train  this  morning  and  go  to 

NORTH    ATTLEBORO'. 

This  is  a  branch  road  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  two  villages.  They  are  also  connected  by  the 
electric    road.      It  has    been    a   quick  run.      Here 


LITTLE  RHODY,  AND  HOMEWARD  BOUND.      I  83 

are  hotels  on  each  side  of  the  street.  This  is  Odd 
Fellows  block.  There  seem  to  be  changes  going 
on ;  carpenters  and  masons  are  at  work.  I  will 
inquire  of  the  man  on  the  staging  inside.  He 
says  the  building  is  being  enlarged  to  make  room 
for  a  public  hall  and  municipal  offices.  We  are 
at  liberty  to  look  over  the  premises.  The  lodge 
hall  is  up  two  flights.  It  will  not  be  easy  climb- 
ing over  the  debris  up  the  temporary  stairs.  I 
think  we  can  gain  further  information  in  some  of 
the  law  or  doctors'  offices.  What  name  is  this? 
"  Dr.  Kilby's  office."  As  sure  as  I  live,  Brother 
Reader,  this  is  Cousin  Henry  S.  Kilby,  a  native  of 
Eastport,  Me.  I  remember,  now,  he  is  a  prac- 
tising physician  in  this  village. 

It  is  drawing  near  to  twelve  o'clock.  There  are 
a  number  of  familiar  faces  among  those  wall 
decorations.  We  have  our  choice  of  reading 
from  the  large  supply  of  interesting  literature. 
Listen !  I  hear  heavy  footsteps  in  the  passage- 
way. We  meet.  He  is  the  same  boy  whom  I 
used  to  see  in  his  childhood's  home,  away  down 
East,  years  ago.  Brother  Reader,  allow  me  to 
introduce  you  to  the  doctor,  the  elder  son  of 
Mr.  William  H.  Kilby,  well  known  in  Boston  as 
agent  of  the  International  Steamship  Line.  You 
have  frequently  read  "  Quoddy's  "  writings  in  the 
"  Eastport  Sentinel."  We  are  very  fortunate  to 
secure  such  comfortable  accommodations  at  the 
Jackson    House,  only  a  few  steps    from  the  hall. 


I  84  ON   THE    ROAD. 

Brother  John  S.  Jackson  is  a  member  of  Excelsior 
Lodge,  Foxboro'. 

The  lodge-room  is  in  a  state  of  chaos  ;  prepara- 
tions are  being  made  for  reconstruction  and  grand 
improvements.  The  condition  of  things  docs  not 
put  the  boys  out  in  the  least.  They  have  three 
candidates  for  the  first  degree,  and  the  work  will 
be  performed,  even  if  the  floor  is  minus  a  carpet; 
and  the  general  appearance  of  things  shows  that 
it  is  the  spring  house-cleaning  time.  Here  are 
Brothers  Hamilton,  Cummins,  Shaw,  Thompson, 
White,  Derry,  and  others,  earnest  in  the  work  of 
getting  things  ready  for  business.  The  Vice- 
Grand  of  Orient  Lodge  is  present.  He  has  in- 
vited the  degree  staff  of  Aurora  Lodge  to  occupy 
the  hall  of  his  lodge  next  week  when  conferring 
the  second  degree  on  the  candidates.  The  lodge 
has  voted  to  accept  the  invitation.  It  is  a  late 
hour  of  the  night.  The  landlord  of  the  Jackson 
House  is  awaiting  our  return. 

We  have  time  this  morning  to  enjoy  a  short 
drive  about  the  village  with  the  doctor.  We  will 
take  the  noon  train  for  Mansfield  Junction,  where 
we  change  cars  for 


't> 


FOXBORO', 

a  busy  manufacturing  village,  six  or  eight  miles 
away.  Here  are  shoe  and  straw  shops.  It  is  also 
quite  a  farming  district.     In    sight  of  the  railroad 


LITTLE  RIIODY.  AND  HOMEWARD  BOUND.     I  85 

station  is  a  neat,  home-like  boarding-house,  kept 
by  Brother  Smith,  a  Maine  man.  He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  Livermore  Falls  Lodge.  We  have  again 
fallen  into  the  hands  of  a  kind  friend. 

As  there  are  few  attractions  in  the  street,  we 
will  remain  indoors  and  rest  until  evening.  The 
hall  is  some  distance  up  the  street,  not  far  from 
the  church  on  the  hill.  Excelsior  Lodge  has  a 
small  and  scattered  membership.  The  work  of 
sustaining  the  organization  falls  upon  a  few 
earnest  brothers.  This  is  a  neat,  cosey  hall,  fitted 
up  in  good  taste. 

It  was  expected  that  the  second  degree  would  be 
conferred  on  one  candidate  to-night,  but  he  has 
failed  to  put  in  an  appearance.  The  time  will  not 
run  to  waste,  as  there  are  a  number  of  good 
talkers  present.  They  are  known,  and  their  names 
will  be  announced  by  the  secretary  as  fast  as  they 
enter  the  hall.  Here  they  come :  J.  W.  Richard- 
son, George  Foster,  F.  S.  Lane,  C.  V.  Stiff,  J.  H. 
Dow,  A.  Smith,  W.  C.  Goodwin,  J.  M.  McLeod, 
H.  Dadkin,  G.  F.  Jolbert,  N.  S.  Small,  G.  B. 
Nickerson,  C.  A.  Smith,  and  C.  G.  Hodges.  It 
has  been  one  of  the  lively  meetings  of  the  season. 
We  are  ready  to  go  with  Brother  Smith,  and  be 
laid  away  for  sleep  and  pleasant  dreams  until  the 
breaking  of  another  day.  Now  we  hear  the  call 
for  breakfast.  Again  we  clasp  the  hand  of  a 
brother  and  friend.  The  good-bys  are  spoken. 
The  train  moves  on. 


1 86  ON   THE    ROAD. 

Our  next  point  is 

\\  M.I'OLE, 

a  busy  manufacturing  town.  We  have  to  take  a 
carriage  to  the  hotel,  as  it  is  quite  a  distance  from 
the  station.  It  has  been  a  pleasant  ride,  and  we 
are  happy  in  the  assurance  of  a  safe  arrival  at  the 
inn. 

The  village  is  half  a  mile  up  the  street,  so  the 
landlord  informs  me.  We  will  rest  awhile  before 
taking  the  walk  through  the  mud. 

What  is  that  I  hear  you  speaking  of,  landlord? 
"  There  is  to  be  a  big  gathering  of  Odd  Fellows 
at  the  house  to-night ;  visitors  from  Norwood, 
members  of  Tiot  and  neighboring  lodges.  The 
degree  staff  is  coming  to  work  for  Reliance  Lodge. 
They  will  have  supper  here  after  lodge  work." 

This  will  be  a  grand  opportunity  for  us.  If  you, 
Brother  Reader,  will  give  me  the  support  of  your 
right  arm,  I  will  try  to  walk  up  the  street  to  the 
village  and  see  whom  we  can  find  that  will  answer 
to  the  name  of  an  Odd  Fellow.  We  will  inquire  at 
this  clothing  store.  The  young  man,  Hartshorn, 
says  Mr.  Arthur  W.  Cram  is  the  proprietor.  He 
is  engaged  at  the  selectmen's  room  in  the  Town 
House,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street.  I  will 
go  over  and  enter  the  council  of  the  "  Town 
Fathers."  Mr.  Cram  will  be  with  us  shortly.  "  I 
am  pleased  to   make   your  acquaintance.     This  is 


LITTLE  RHODY,  AND  HOMEWARD  BOUND.      I  87 

the  programme  for  the  evening.  We  shall  be 
happy  to  have  you  a:;d  your  associate  come  in 
with  us  and  enjoy  the  courtesies  we  extend  to 
our  brothers  from  the  neighboring  lodges  to- 
night." 

The  hall  is  in  the  post-office  building.  It  is 
near  the  hour  for  meeting.  We  have  quite  a  long 
walk,  and  it  is  raining.  We  had  better  be  moving 
along.  Here  is  quite  a  gathering  of  brothers  at 
this  early  hour.  They  are  filing  into  the  hall  in 
double  column.  It  is  a  pleasing  sight,  such  a  large 
number  of  Odd  Fellows,  one  hundred  and  fifty 
brothers  seated  around  the  hall.  The  work  has 
been  admirably  performed.  It  is  nearing  the  hour 
of  eleven  o'clock.  Now  we  take  up  our  line  of 
march  to  the  hotel.  Landlord  Rector  stands  at 
the  open  door  to  show  his  guests  the  way  into  the 
dining-hall.  The  dicjiu  brings  an  approving  smile 
from  the  company  of  stalwarts.  All  have  freely 
discussed  the  subject  laid  before  them,  and  the 
long-felt  want  has  been  fully  satisfied.  The  visit- 
ing brothers  are  preparing  to  depart.  They  will 
be  experiencing  a  disagreeable  ride  over  bad  roads 
in  the  rain,  while  you  and  I,  my  brother,  are 
peacefully  sleeping  in  the  comfortable  beds  pro- 
vided by  our  kind  host  and  brother,  Rector.  We 
will  heed  the  call  of  the  breakfast  bell.  The 
carriage  is  in  waiting  at  the  door  to  convey  us  to 
the  station.  We  have  half  an  hour  or  more  to 
wait  before  the   train  leaves   for 


I  88  ON    THE    ROAD. 


FRANKLIN. 


I  will  thank  you  to  purchase  the  tickets,  while  I 
arrange  the  names  of  the  brothers  who  kindly 
placed  their  autographs  in  my  book  in  the  ban- 
quet hall  last  night.  There  was  so  much  con- 
fusion I  had  not  time  to  attend  to  it.  I  will  get 
them  in  alphabetical  order,  as  near  as  possible. 
First  is  A.  E.  Arnold,  then  Eugene  Bonney,  E.  S. 
Babb,  Arthur  W.  Cram,  Frank  C.  Coburn,  Geo. 
Coburn,  Edward  Everett,  Charles  H.  Evans,  C.  W. 
Faulkner,  Elmer  Fisher,  Frank  A.  Gay,  Robert  B. 
Graves,  W.  H.  Healy,  C.  H.  Huff,  Charles  O. 
Hall,  P.  H.  Joyce. 

The  train  is  coming.  We  have  less  than  one 
hour's  ride.  Here  is  the  station.  I  will  inquire 
of  the  baggage-master  where  we  can  find  a  hotel 
in  the  village  near  Odd  Fellows  Hall.  He  says, 
"The  Darling  House  is  handy;  just  up  on  the 
street,  and  is  a  tip-top  house."  The  name  sounds 
inviting;  I  think  we  had  better  look  it  up.  The 
small  boy  says,  "  Til  show  you  the  place,  mister, 
for  a  nickel."  Here,  my  boy,  take  this  grip  and 
move  along.  We  have  only  turned  the  corner, 
and  there,  is  the  sign  —  Darling  House.  "Mr. 
Landlord,  we  desire  supper,  lodging,  and  break- 
fast."—  "Please  register,  gentlemen."  There  is 
the  Odd  Fellows  Hall  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  street.      I   am  going  to  make  a  few  inquiries 


LITTLE  RIIODY,  AND  HOMEWARD  .BOUND.       I  89 

of  the  landlord,  as  I*see  the  mysterious  link  on  his 
vestments.  Yes,  he  is  our  brother,  a  Past  Grand 
in  King  David  Lodge,  which  meets  to-night.  The 
janitor  of  the  hall  boards  at  the  house;  we  can 
accompany  him  to  the  hall.  There  is  no  work, 
and  but  few  brothers  present.  Among  those  who 
are  so  earnestly  discussing  matters  connected 
with  the  future  event  are  E.  A.  Mason,  A.  M.  Wil- 
lard,  S.  E.  Sargent,  C.  P.  Johnson,  J.  O.  Sanborn, 
E.  B.  Way,  Geo.  M.  Whipple,  and  P.  A.  Briggs. 
This  has  been  a  short  session.  We  return  to  our 
pleasant  quarters  at  a  much  earlier  hour  than 
usual  when  attending  lodge  meetings.  This  is  a 
beautiful,  sunny  morning.  We  must  bid  our 
hospitable  Brother  Darling  and  other  kind  friends 
adieu,  and  board  the  train  for 

CANTON. 

We  change  cars  at  Canton  Junction,  and  make  a 
short  run  to  the  village.  There  are  no  hotels  in 
the  place,  and  only  one  boarding-house.  The 
best  accommodation  offered  is  at  the  boarding- 
house,  a  short  distance  from  the  railroad  station. 

The  hall  of  Blue  Hill  Lodge  is  in  the  large 
block  on  Main  street.  This  is  a  manufacturing 
town.  It  is  here  Mr.  Morse  makes  his  celebrated 
"  Rising  Sun  Stove  Polish."  It  is  a  stirring  busi- 
ness place. 

There  are  men  standing  in  front  of  the  entrance 


I QO  I  »N   THE    ROAD. 

to  Odd  Fellows  Hall.  Let  us  walk  over  and  find 
them  out.  Here  are  the  customary  stairs  to 
climb.  This  is  the  anteroom.  Open  this  door 
and  you  will  see  a  neat,  cosey  hall,  where  the 
brothers  enjoy  themselves  in  social  greetings. 
Let  us  see  if  they  will  enlarge  "  the  ring"  to  take 
us  in,  that  we  may  become  better  acquainted  with 
the  jovial  fellows:  Ed.  Fuller,  Fred.  P.  Drake, 
C.  F.  Coleman,  John  Tate,  F.  H.  Messer,  O.  D. 
Capin,  Thomas  L.  Ray,  Henry  C.  Davis,  and 
others.  There  seems  to  be  no  objection,  as  they 
take  us  by  the  hand  and  join  in  singing,  "  Brothers 
of  our  friendly  order,  Honor  here  asserts  her 
sway."  We  have  passed  an  enjoyable  evening 
among  the  brothers,  and  received  their  gracious 
benediction.  I  gladly  accept  the  proffered  sup- 
port of  the  strong  arm  of  this  good  brother  to 
assist  me  over  the  rough  road. 

There  are  services  at  the  chapel.  We  have  a 
full  view  from  this  window  of  the  immense  crowd 
that  is  moving  along  the  street.  Some  are  in  car- 
riages, some  in  two-wheel  vehicles,  and  hundreds 
on  foot.  They  are  on  their  way  to  sacredly  cele- 
brate the  memory  of  the  holy  saint. 

We  have  the  day  before  us.  I  think  the  atmos- 
phere will  be  more  genial  in  Boston,  where  the 
force  of  the  wind  is  broken  by  high  walls  of  brick 
and  mortar,  than  out  here  in  the  country.  It  is 
now  past  ten  o'clock.  We  have  waited  until  the 
appointed  hour,  and  we  shall  now  go  to  the  station 


LITTLE  RIIODY,  AND  HOMEWARD  BOUND.      191 

and  continue  on  to  Boston,  and  pass  the  day  with 
Brother  Boise  on  Bovvdoin  street. 

The  day  is  past  and  gone.  The  shades  of  even- 
ing are  coming  apace.  We  will  walk  up  by  the 
State  House,  cross  the  Common,  and  make  a  short 
cut  to  the  Providence  depot,  and  go  to 

HYDE    PARK, 

a  smart,  fast-growing  manufacturing  city  with 
10,193  population.  The  hall  of  Forest  Lodge  is 
up  town  on  Main  street.  We  will  cross  the  street 
here  and  enter.  Here  are  Brothers  J.  H.  Tucker- 
man,  Jr.,  and  J.  C.  Hanscom.  They  have  a  look  of 
surprise  while  they  are  examining  the  list  of  lodges 
and  secretaries'  indorsements  on  our  visiting-card, 
but  are  earnest  in  their  words  and  handshakings  of 
welcome. 

Forest  Lodge  numbers  nearly  200  mem- 
bers. It  has  done  a  large  amount  of  work  the 
past  term.  There  is  no  special  business  to  be 
attended  to  this  evening,  but  the  brothers  are  all 
interested  in  the  great  mission  of  the  Order.  We 
have  been  well  entertained  by  the  remarks  of 
Brothers  Munroe,  Titcomb,  Fellows,  Bartlett, 
Wetherbee,  Tibbitts,  the  Doctor,  Stevens,  and 
others.  It  is  near  the  hour  for  the  last  train  for 
Boston.  There  is  always  a  place  for  an  Odd  Fel- 
low to  lay  his  weary  head  when  he  has  "  got  left" 
by  too  close  attention  to   lodge  meetings.     So  we 


192  ON    THE    ROAD. 

will  follow  the  lead  of  Brother  George  M.  Gardner 
and  find  comfortable  lodgings  for  the  night.  To- 
day we  will  return  to  the  Hub  and  spend  a  few 
hours  among  old  friends  before  settling  in  our 
headquarters  at  Maiden.  Hotel  Maiden,  under  the 
excellent  management  of  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Smith, 
will  be  our  home  while  we  remain  in  Massachu- 
setts. 


Chapter   XVIII. 

NEARING    THE   LAST   MILESTONE. 

BROTHER  READER,  we  have  passed  a  very  en- 
joyable week  among  our  friends  in  this  city  of  stir 
and  pleasing  attractions.  Our  visits  to  Middlesex 
and  Maiden  lodges  have  been  pleasant  events.  It 
will  be  well  for  us  to  lay  out  our  route  for  the  com- 
ing week  and  take  a  fair  start  Monday  morning. 
Here  is  my  programme.  You  can  look  it  over  and 
suggest  such  changes  as  you  think  proper. 

ARLINGTON 

will  be  our  first  stopping-place.  We  have  to  go 
to  Boston  and  take  the  Boston  &  Lowell  road. 
We  are  here  in  season  to  take  the  6.15  train.  The 
cars  are  loaded.  Many  people  are  leaving  the  city 
for  the  night. 

The  Town  Hall  is  a  few  rods  up  the  street.    Odd 


NEARING   THE    LAST    MILESTONE.  1 93 

Fellows  Hall  is  at  the  other  end  of  the  village. 
Our  polite  escort  wishes  us  to  understand  that  he 
is  not  a  member  of  the  Order,  but  he  "  boards 
with  a  man  who  is  one,"  Mr.  McLeod.  It  is  early 
in  the  evening.  We  shall  find  it  more  comfortable 
waiting  in  a  brother's  house  than  wandering  about 
the  streets.  Let  us  walk  along  with  the  gentle- 
man. He  is  very  kind,  and  offers  me  his  arm  to 
assist  me  over  the  rough  road.  We  have  reached 
the  house  in  safety  and  are  invited  to  a  seat  in  the 
comfortable  arm-chair.  A  lady  and  gentleman  are 
entering  the  room.  Our  friend  introduces  them  : 
"  Mr.  McLeod  and  his  daughter,  Miss  Mary." 

"  Supper  is  ready,  gentlemen,"  Mr.  McLeod 
says.     "  Walk  out  and  partake  with  us." 

Thanks  !  But  it  would  be  violating  the  laws  of 
hygiene  to  eat  two  suppers  in  the  same  evening. 
Please  allow  us  to  entertain  ourselves  with  these 
books  while  you  and  the  family  are  engaged  in  the 
other  room. 

Now  we  are  ready  to  accompany  you  to  the  hall. 
The  first  brothers  to  greet  us  are  Arthur  L.  Bacon, 
Charles  A.  Hardy,  N.  E.  Whittier  Theodore 
Schwamb,  George  A.  Sawyer,  Henry  T.  Gregory, 
and  Albert  T.  Tilden.  There  is  important  business 
to  be  transacted.  It  is  past  the  hour  for  opening 
the  lodge.  We  shall  have  only  a  short  time  to  re- 
main before  the  last  train  leaves  for  Boston.  We 
thank  the  brothers  for  their  courtesies  and  hasten 
to  the  station.     Brother  McLeod  will  go  with  us. 


194  ON    THE    ROAD. 

It  is  10.50.  We  shall  remain  in  the  city  to-night 
and  return  to  Maiden  by  the  early  morning  train. 
In  the  early  days  of  my  life  I  used  to  hear 
people  who  daily  and  openly  indulged  in  the  use 
of  the  ardent  tell  about  the  "  good  old  Jamaica 
and  the  pure  Medford."  I  never  had  seen  a  dis- 
tillery in  Maine,  and  was  quite  surprised  when 
shown  one  in  Massachusetts.  While  riding 
through  the  towns  adjoining  the  city,  Maiden, 
then  a  town,  my  friend  pointed  out  to  me  an  old 
stone  building  called  the  Distillery.  We  will  take 
the  horse-cars  this  afternoon  and  ride  over  to  the 
town  of 

MEDFORD. 

The  hall  of  Harmony  Lodge  is  a  few  steps  from 
the  Town  House,  on  the  corner,  in  the  square.  It 
is  a  handsome  new  building,  owned  by  the  lodge. 
I  have  a  strong  desire  to  meet  with  the  brothers 
after  hearing  such  flattering. accounts  of  the  lodge 
from  one  of  the  members  in  Boston  last  winter. 
The  city  of  Maiden  and  town  of  Medford  are 
closely  united.  Here  is  the  square.  It  is  the 
converging  point  of  the  street-railway  lines  on  the 
Maiden  and  Medford  circuit,  with  a  branch  from 
this  point  to  West  Medford.  Here  is  the  entrance 
to  the  hall ;  we  ascend  three  flights  of  stairs.  The 
janitor  will  admit  us  to  the  beautiful  hall.  It  is 
occupied  by  a  number  of  fraternal  organizations. 
Here  comes  Brother  Walter   F.   Cushing.     I  met 


NEARING    THE    LAST    MILESTONE.  195 

him  in  Boston  last  winter.  Brother  Cashing,  we 
are  glad  to  meet  you.  Please  introduce  us  to  the 
brothers  gathered  in  the  anteroom.  Here  you 
have  them  :  S.  XV.  Keene,  John  E.  Barrows,  John 
Clark,  Warren  Dowe,  Wm.  H.  Smith,  R.  M.  Gow, 
Fitch  A.  Taylor,  Richard  Booth,  N.  Taylor, 
Thomas  Getchell,  J.  XV.  Copeland,  Joseph  E. 
Clark,  M.D.  We  must  bid  the  kind  brothers 
adieu,  and  make  it  a  point  to  call  again  when  there 
are  more  present. 

To-day  we  board  the  Boston  &  Maine  train  at 
Maiden  station  and   ride  to 

MELROSE. 

It  is  a  stormy  day.  We  shall  not  remain  in  the 
village  to-night  to  attend  lodge.  Perhaps  we  may 
meet  some  of  the  brothers  on  the  street.  Here  is 
John  Larrabee,  John  Grundy,  F.  A.  Pratt,  and  H. 
B.  Orcutt.  Melrose  Lodge  has  a  membership  of 
130;  but  few  of  the  brothers  reside  in  the  village. 
I  will  check  the  name  of  this  lodge  for  our  second 
visit. 

READING 

is  our  next  stopping-place.  Security  Lodge, 
No.  208,  was  instituted  here  two  weeks  ago,  by 
Grand  Master  Denver  and  suite.  The  place  of 
meeting  is  in  Red  Men's  Hall.  It  is  very  bad 
travelling,  the  streets   are   so    icy.     The  anteroom 


196  ON   THE    ROAD. 

is  filling  up  with  brothers,  earnest  in  the  work  to 
be  accomplished  this  evening:  conferring  degrees 
until  midnight,  then  comes  the  banquet.  "  We 
must  be  excused,  brothers;  can't  afford  to  indulge 
But  you  will  greatly  oblige  us  with  your  names. 
Please  write  them  on  this  sheet."  Jas.  P.  Clement, 
C.  L.  Walker,  E.  M.  Knight,  J.  A.  Ellison,  E.  F. 
Brooks,  J.  I.  Glcason,  George  E.  Gill,  O.  L. 
Martinp,  W.  S.  Bickford,  L.  S.  Williams,  C.  L. 
Richardson,  A.  E.  Batcheldcr.  Thanks,  brothers, 
for  your  kind  favors.  We  wish  you  and  the  lodge 
long  life  and  abundant  prosperity.  We  must 
hasten  to  the  station  and  return  home  at  an  early 
hour. 

We  will  continue  on  the  main  line  to-day  and 
stop  at 

WAKEFIELD. 

I  well  remember  the  first  time  I  visited  this  town 
and  spent  a  few  days  with  my  old  friend,  J.  Wash- 
ington Hartshorn,  in  1873.  Six  years  after,  the 
name  of  the  town  had  been  changed  from  South 
Reading  to  its  present  name.  It  is  a  thriving 
business  town.  Soughegan  Lodge  meets  in  the 
hall  across  the  street.  We  will  make  inquiry  in 
this  shoe-store  and  ascertain  who  on  the  street  are 
members  of  the  lodge.  The  proprietor  of  the 
store  is  Richard  Britton.  He  is  a  member.  Here 
are  the  names  of  a  number  of  others:  W.  A.  Cot- 
ter, J.  F.  Emerson,  C.  A.  Chanerry,  W.  F.  Spaniel- 


NEARING   THE   LAST   MILESTONE.  197 

ing,  S.  F.  Littlefield,  G.  H.  Hathaway,  and  A.  P. 
Linncll.  The  degree  staff  and  a  large  delegation 
from  New  England  Lodge,  Cambridge,  are  present 
to  confer  the  degrees.  There  is  hardly  standing 
room  in  the  hall.  We  may  be  able  to  get  a  seat, 
but  it  will  be  after  the  hour  for  the  last  train  into 
Boston  when  the  lodge  closes.  It  is  best  that  we 
enjoy  a  little  social  chat  with  "  the  boys,"  and 
leave  before  the  door  is  closed.  I  will  ask 
the  brothers  to  write  their  names  while  there  is  an 
opportunity:  Frank  Parker,  C.  F.  Cushman,  A.  G. 
Andrews,  G.    E.    Donald,  Fred    O.  Clark,  A.  D. 

Call,  Ernest  Hayward,  Peter  .     That  brother 

has  dropped  his  pencil  and  "  skipped "  inside. 
Good-night,  brothers,  we  have  just  twelve  minutes 
to  catch  the  next  train.  All  aboard  !  We  can 
reach  the  next  places  on  our  programme  by  horse- 
cars  or  train.  It  will  avoid  changes  and  consider- 
able inconvenience  if  we  take  the  horse-cars  of 
the  Middlesex  Street  Railway  at  the  waiting-room. 
The  car  is  marked  "  Through  Line."  We  get  a 
sight  of  the  villages  of  Melrose,  Wyoming,  Melrose 
Highlands ;    and  now  we  come  to 

STONEHAM. 

Here  we  will  rest  for  a  while.  I  remember  my 
first  visit  to  the  village  in  1883.  At  that  time  I 
made  the  pleasant  acquaintance  of  a  number  of 
brothers   of   Columbia  Lodge.     I    now   recall   the 


198  <>\    THE    ROAD. 

name  of  W.  Ward  Child,  secretary  of  the  lodge. 
I  find  his  name  in  the  Grand  Lodge  reports  of 
1890.  He  is  one  of  the  veteran  officials  in  the 
service.  The  lodge  hall  is  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  street.  How  familiar  everything  in  the  ante- 
room looks  !  Here  is  the  same  large  table  in  the 
centre  of  the  room  between  the  square  pillars. 
What  is  going  on?  I  see  the  brothers  are  to  have  a 
social  sit-down  after  the  business  is  finished.  This 
brother  seems  to  recognize  me.  He  says  he  re- 
members the  night  I  visited  the  lodge  seven  years 
ago.  I  recall  his  name,  O.  F.  Huntoon,  and  this 
other  brother,  W.  H.  Jones.  I  should  like  to  see 
the  secretary.  He  is  coming  down  the*  stair. 
He  writes  his  name,  W.  Ward  Child.  I  would 
know  that  signature  if  I  should  see  it  in  France. 
Here  are  the  examining  committee.  They  say, 
"  It  must  be  all  right  with  a  fellow  who  has  such 
a  batch  of  indorsements  on  his  card,"  as  we  have. 
It  is  election  of  officers.  The  business  has  been 
quickly  despatched,  and  the  brothers  are  allowed 
a  few  moments  for  social  chatting.  brothers 
Batchelder,  Weston,  Head,  Jones,  White,  Hill, 
Hobesh,  Brown,  Pryor,  Tupper,  Allen,  and  others 
sien  their  names.  A  cordial  invitation  for  us  to  • 
remain  and  enjoy  the  festivities  is  extended  to  us. 
Brother  Reader,  we  will  go  to 


NEARING   THE    LAST   MILESTONE.  1 99 


WOBURN, 

a  manufacturing  city  of  13,500  population,  the 
"Hub"  of  trade  and  the  market  centre  for  sur- 
rounding towns. 

The  hall  of  Crystal  Fount  Lodge  is  in  the  large 
brick  block  down  the  street.  I  have  no  acquaint- 
ances here.  The  name  of  "  Henry  L.  Andrews, 
job  printer,"  is  on  this  sign.  He  is  permanent 
secretary  of  the  lodge.  We  will  interview  him. 
He  says,  "  It  is  near  the  holiday  season ;  people 
are  very  busy ;  the  attendance  at  the  lodge  will  be 
small ;  we  shall  find  a  comfortable  waiting-place 
at  the  drug-store  near  the  hall."  We  shall  have 
time  to  exchange  greetings  with  the  brothers 
before  the  lodge  opens. 

Election  of  officers,  conferring  degrees,  and 
reports  of  committees  will  leave  little  time  for  new 
business.  We  will  accept  Brother  Andrews'  arm, 
and  allow  him  to  introduce  us  to  Brothers  B.  J. 
Goodrich,  Noble  Grand ;  Cyrus  Lambert,  H.  D. 
Blanchard,  B.  F.  Morgan,  and  L.  G.  Pike,  Past 
Grands  ;  and  Brothers  Tibbetts,  Sheldon,  Dow,  and 
Carney.  We  will  take  the  train  over  the  Boston  & 
Main  and  reach  home  at  11.15. 

Dear  Reader,  there  is  a  city  of  considerable  note 
among  the  shoe  manufacturing  places  we  passed 
by  after  leaving  South  Framingham.  I  remember. 
It  is 


200  ON   THE    ROAD. 


NATICK. 


It  was  on  our  list  of  places  to  visit  that  week,  but 
the  storm,  and  premonitions  of  a  blinding  head- 
ache, induced  me  to  return  to  Boston.  We  will 
make  a  special  of  that  city  to-day. 

It  is  a  twenty-five-mile  ride  over  the  Boston  & 
Albany  Railroad.  Takawambait  Lodge  is  among 
the  small  numbers,  but  has  230  members,  and 
occupies  a  fine  hall.  Shoe  manufacturing  is  the 
principal  business  of  the  people.  We  are  glad  to 
find  a  resting-place  within  the  walls  of  the  lodge. 
Brothers,  we  have  come  to  see  you.  Our  names 
arc  on  this  card.  Please  read  the  names  and 
examine  the  card.  We  are  weary,  and  have  but 
few  words  to  say.  We  thank  you  for  your  cordial 
greeting,  your  pleasant  words,  and  what  our  eyes 
behold.  You  will  confer  a  favor  by  placing  your 
names  in  this  book.  Brother  J.  W.  Clem,  please 
set  the  ball  in  motion.  Walter  H.  Wordell  will 
follow,  then  N.  P.  Young,  Edgar  Hayes,  Milton  E. 
Smith,  J.  Mahard,  Edward  H.  Sweetland,  F.  E. 
Cummings,  and  D.  J.  Washburn.  This  has  been 
a  lively  meeting.  The  boys  arc  making  arrange- 
ments to  go  to  Holliston  to  assist  in  instituting  a 
new  lodge  at  that  place.  We  hope  to  hear  a  good 
report  from  them.  I  shall  hope  to  sec  some  of 
them  at  Peak's  Island,  Me.,  among  the  Natick 
people  on  Massachusetts  avenue. 


NEAR1NG  THE   LAST   MILESTONE.  201 

We  will  get  advice  this  morning  in  regard  to  the 
most  direct  route  to  our  next  objective  point.  It 
seems  to  have  been  a  long  way  round,  but  we  are 
at 

BROCKTON, 

all  the  same,  a  city  of  27,294  souls,  and  a  thou- 
sand times  more  than  that  number  of  soles.  Mr. 
Policeman,  will  you  please  direct  us  to  the  Hol- 
brook  House?  "  Go  up  this  street,  take  the  first 
right  on  Main  street,  and  continue  on  four  blocks. 
You  will  see  the  sign."  Correct.  Here  is  the 
house.  This  young  man  at  the  desk  is  Mr.  Charles 
Coleman,  the  proprietor.  We  shall  find  pleasant 
quarters  here.  Everything  is  in  city  style,  and  all 
looks  gay  under  electric  lights.  The  express 
company  has  been  prompt  in  filling  our  orders. 
This  package  has  come  in  time.  Electric  Lodge, 
recently  instituted,  meets  to-night  in  Red  Men's 
Hall,  down  the  street,  below  the  post-office.  The 
hall  is  open.  The  first  brother  we  meet  is  H.  A. 
Bumpus,  of  Pioneer  Lodge,  Bridgewater.  All  the 
brothers  have  a  kind  word  for  us,  —  Bartlett,  Pool, 
Hayes,  Leonard,  Hall,  Barker,  and  others.  We 
must  go  into  the  reception-room  to  pass  a  rigid 
examination  by  the  committee.  This  is  a  grand 
sight,  one  hundred  and  fifty  brothers,  active  young 
men,  full  of  enthusiasm,  engaged  in  lodge  work, 
making  new  members,  perfecting  plans  for  build- 
ing up  a  large,  flourishing  organization.     We  say, 


202  ON   THE    ROAD. 

God-speed  to  you,  brothers.  We  will  not  occupy 
your  valuable  time  to-night,  but  will  come  among 
you  again.  We  will  call  on  Brother  A.  F.  Crush- 
ing this  morning  at  the  hardware  store,  and  get 
posted  on  the  ways  about  the  town.  This  is 
a  nicely  laid  out  city,  with  many  fine,  large 
blocks.  To-night  Massasoit  Lodge  meets  in  Odd 
Fellows  Hall,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street 
from  where  we  were  last  night.  There  are  long, 
hard  flights  of  stairs  to  climb,  and  plenty  of  ante- 
room space,  and  a  large,  airy  hall.  It  is  after  the 
old  style,  —  fine  oil  wall  and  ceiling  decorations. 
Here  is  Brother  John  H.  Holbrook.  We  met  him 
at  Electric  Lodge  last  night.  Wendell  S.  Holmes, 
Noble  Grand,  is  the  first  brother  to  greet  us. 
Thomas,  Truman,  Wilbur,  Park,  Snow,  Steel, 
Baker,  Holt,  Shaw,  Soule,  Andrews,  and  many 
others  are  joining  in  the  conversation.  There  are 
three  candidates  for  the  initiatory  degree.  Im- 
portant business  creates  lengthy  discussions.  It 
it  past  eleven  o'clock.  The  Noble  Grand  has  not 
called  for  new  business.  We  must  retire.  To- 
day we  will  go  to 

STOUGHTON. 

This  is  a  busy  little  village.  It  contains  quite  a 
number  of  shoe-shops.  We  have  time  to  call  on 
JohnN.  Drake,  R.  B.  Ward,  W.  F.  Fuller,  Gor- 
don Southworth,   John   Soule,   and  C.   H.  Peffers 


HEARING  THE   LAST   MILESTONE.  203 

before  evening.  The  hall  is  around  the  corner 
from  the  hotel.  We  are  early,  but  I  hear  foot- 
steps on  the  floor  in  the  room  above.  Yes,  the 
hall  is  open.  There  are  some  of  the  Stoughton 
boys  we  heard  spoken  of  in  our  travels.  It  is  just 
as  Will  said,  they  are  "  as  full  of  fun  as  a  nut  is 
full  of  meat."  This  is  a  splendid  hall.  The  degree 
team  is  busy  in  the  paraphernalia-room.  It  will 
be  very  late  when  the  lodge  closes.  We  had 
better  retire.  I  will  speak  with  Brothers  Graham, 
Burnham,  Holman,  Curtis,  Rolfe,  Henry  Burn- 
ham,  Hussey,  Standish,  and  Cornish,  while  they 
are  at  leisure.  Good-night,  brothers  !  We  shall 
long  remember  this  pleasant  meeting. 

SOUTH   BRAINTREE 

comes  next  on  our  list.  Brother  W.  A.  Kane, 
whom  we  met  at  King  Philip  Lodge,  Taunton, 
resides  in  this  village.  We  will  inquire  of  the  gate- 
tender  at  the  crossing  where  we  can  find  him. 
"  He  has  a  store  on  Main  street."  We  will  dine 
at  the  hotel  before  our  walk.  Here  is  the  hall  of 
Puritan  Lodge,  just  a  step  from  the  hotel.  Now 
we  will  go  to  the  store  and  look  up  Brother  Kane. 
The  man  in  the  rear  of  the  store  breaking  ice 
says,  "  He  is  upstairs."  He  hears  my  voice  and 
comes  down.  Brother  Kane,  we  meet  again.  Is 
that  a  rhyme?  I  will  introduce  you  to  my 
travelling    companion,  Brother  Reader.     He    has 


204  ON   THE    ROAD. 

become  pretty  well  acquainted  with  my  familiar 
talk  with  "  the  boys,"  as  he  calls  them.  We  don't 
allow  a  good  opportunity  to  pass  when  we  can 
spend  ah  evening  pleasantly  with  brothers  in  the 
lodge-room.  We  have  accepted  your  kind  invita- 
tion to  visit  Puritan  Lodge  to-night.  If  there  arc 
any  brothers  on  the  street  we  can  sec  this  after- 
noon, please  direct  us  to  where  they  can  be  found. 
We  wait  your  reply.  That  is  all  right;  we  will 
wait  until  evening.  Here  are  the  committee  come 
to  test  our  proofs  of  membership  in  the  order: 
Brothers  Boyer,  Tupper,  Leonard,  Stevens,  Hath- 
away, Kane,  Monk,  and  Morrill.  Are  you  satisfied, 
brothers?  They  say  they  are  perfectly  satisfied. 
They  are  conferring  the  first  degree  on  the  young 
lawyer.  He  has  stood  the  fiery  ordeal  man- 
full)'.  No  doubt  but  he  will  make  a  good  Odd 
Fellow,  for  he  has  got  the  grit,  as  was  said  of 
initiates  forty  years  ago.  Brother  Kane  advises 
us  to  take  in 

SOUTH   WEYMOUTH 

next,  as  it  is  on  the  direct  line  of  the  railroad  from 
this  place.  We  will  take  this  carriage  and  ride  to 
the  Custing  House.  Here  we  are  at  the  Custing 
House.  This  is  a  good  place  for  rest  and  reflec- 
tion. Landlord,  please  order  the  'bus  to  con- 
vey us  to  Odd  Fellows  Hall,  at  6.30.  Wilday 
Lodge  meets  to-night.     Here  are  Brothers  A.  F. 


NEARING   THE    LAST   MILESTONE.  .205 

Buttock,  Noble  Grand;  M.  E.  Gardner,  E.  W. 
Shaw,  A.  L.  Blanchard,  Frank  Burbank,  and 
Josiah  Pratt,  of  Hingham.  It  is  work  in  the 
second  degree.  The  hands  of  the  clock  are  point- 
ing to  eleven.  The  question  that  interests  us  most 
is  how  we  are  to  get  back  to  the  hotel ;  no  'bus 
at  this  hour  of  night;  raining,  muddy  roads,  with 
no  light  or  guide.  It  will  be  like  taking  a  leap  in 
the  dark.  Brother  George  M.  Sawyer  has  put  an 
end  to  all  anxiety.  He  has  a  two-seated  carriage  at 
the  door,  with  a  safe  horse  and  experienced  driver. 
How  changed  the  prospect !  The  friendly  chat- 
ting along  the  road  has  been  pleasant  and  the 
journey  safe.  We  will  retire  for  a  few  hours'  sleep. 
We  will  carry  out  our  original  plan  this  morning, 
and  go  on  to 

WHITMAN. 

Everything  here  is  strange  to  us.  I  hardly  know 
which  way  to  go.  The  village  must  be  in  this 
direction.  We  will  inquire  at  this  barber-shop,  kept 
by  James  Jordan,  colored.  "  My  friend,  can  you  in- 
form us  in  which  direction  to  find  a  public  house?" 
"  Come  in,  gentlemen,  out  of  the  rain.  The  village 
is  up  the  street  a  quarter  of  a  mile."  We  desire 
to  find  a  comfortable  place  to  stop  as  near  Odd 
Fellows  Hall  as  possible.  "Are  you  folks  Odd 
Fellows  ?  " — "  We  are."  —  "I  s'pose  I  am  a  brother 
member  of  the  parent  organization,  Manchester 
Unity  Odd  Fellows.     The  color   line,  you   know, 


206.  ON   THE    ROAD. 

makes  a  difference,  you  know,  with  some  folks. 
You  hold  on  a  minute,  I'll  speak  to  a  member  of 
Webster  Lodge.  He  keeps  the  bakery  round 
the  corner  in  this  building."  — "We  are  pleased  to 
make  your  acquaintance,  Brother  Higgins."  —  "  My 
man  will  be  here  soon  with  the  team  and  take 
you  up  town  to  a  hotel."  —  "  Thank  you,  brother." 
The  hall  is  on  Main  street,  a  few  blocks  from  the 
corner,  over  Peterson's  periodical  store.  There  is 
a  G. A. R.  entertainment  to-night ;  quite  a  number 
of  the  brothers  of  the  lodge  will  attend  it.  Here 
are  Brothers  Fogg,  Pickett,  Dudley,  Clapp,  Ford, 
Harding,  Kenncy,  and  my  good  brother  from 
Belfast,  Me.,  Ivory  O.  Estes.  With  all  those  wide- 
awake brothers,  we  can  carry  on  the  business 
and  make  an  interesting  meeting.  The  G.A.R. 
members,  no  doubt,  have  strong  inclinations  to- 
ward the  other  hall,  where  their  comrades  and 
lady  friends  are  enjoying  the  festivities.  They 
are  excused  from  attending  to  duty  here,  and 
may  joy  fill  their  hearts  while  they  kindle  the 
camp  fires  over  there  !  Brother  Ford,  it  will  give 
us  great  pleasure  to  accompany  you  to  your 
home,  and  talk  over  the  events  of  other  days. 
Late  hours  at  lodge  meetings  often  keep  the 
faithful  wife  anxiously  waiting  to  hear  the  familiar 
footsteps  at  the  door.  But  if  she  be  a  Daughter 
of  Rebekah,  as  is  Brother  Ford's  companion, 
then  there  is  no  need  of  excuses  for  keeping  late 
hours  at  lodge,  for  they   "  know  how  it  is  them- 


NEARtNG   THE   LAST   MILESTONE.  207 

selves."  Brother  Ford  has  to  go  on  with  his  work 
this  morning.  He  has  kindly  invited  us  to  ride 
in  the  carriage  with  him  to  the  station.  Here  we 
must  part  with  our  brother  and  friend.  We  hope 
soon  to  meet  again. 

ABINGTON 

is  the  next  station.  We  will  take  the  'bus  to 
the  Central  House.  This  was  called  an  old  town 
more  than  a  century  ago.  There  is  much  of 
historic  interest  concerning  it.  There  is  something 
significant  in  the  name  "  Pilgrim  Lodge."  The 
hall  is  on  the  second  street,  a  little  way  from  the 
Central  House.  It  is  the  old  school  building  re- 
constructed, affording  a  spacious  banquet  hall  on 
the  first  floor,  with  a  beautiful  lodge  hall  and  ante- 
rooms on  the  second  floor.  The  lodge  member- 
ship is  70.  The  brothers  are  Odd  Fellows, 
good  and  true.  Where  have  we  attended  a  lodge 
in  a  country  village  where  there  was  nothing 
especial  to  call  the  brothers  out,  and  had  the 
pleasure  of  taking  over  one-third  of  the  entire 
membership  by  the  hand?  Brothers  Lewis,  Nash, 
Wilbur,  Hunt,  David,  Churchill,  Cheesman,  Blake, 
Moore,  and  Barber,  we  wish  you  health,  wealth, 
and  prosperity !  May  the  charter  of  Webster 
Lodge  be  handed  down  through  successive  gener- 
ations of  members  bearing  your  own  names  !  We 
bid  you  good-night ;  we  will  leave  on  the  early 
morning  train  for 


20S  ON    THE    ROAD. 


NORTH    ABINGTON. 

The  Culver  House  is  opposite  the  station.  This 
can  rightly  be  called  the  rainy  season.  There  lias 
been  no  let  up  to  light  and  heavy  rain  for  nearly 
two  weeks.  Winthrop  Lodge  meets  to-night.  The 
hall  is  up  the  street,  near  the  stores.  It  is  only 
6.30  o'clock,  and  the  hall  is  open.  The  "boys" 
seem  to  be  having  a  gala  time.  Hear  their  shouts 
of  laughter!  Let  us  go  up  and  see  what  it  is  all 
about.  Yes,  they  are  making  preparations  to  go 
away.  A  team  has  been  engaged  to  take  Brothers 
Hanson,  Loud,  Pearsons,  Young,  Judkins,  and 
Smith  to  East  Weymouth,  to  assist  in  degree  work. 
It  is  time  for  them  to  start.  It  gives  us  pleasure 
to  meet  these  brothers ;  but  we  are  greatly  dis- 
appointed not  to  have  the  privilege  of  sitting  with 
them  in  open  lodge.  There  is  only  one  way  to 
make  it  satisfactory,  —  we  will  come  again  Feb- 
ruary 26,  and  spend  the  evening  with  them. 
Brothers  E.  W.  Cushing,  Geo.  P.  Hattie,  I.  P. 
Nash,  and  L.  H.  Hunt  have  been  chosen  a  com- 
mittee to  make  arrangements  for  a  good  time. 
Brother  Nash  invites  us  to  be  his  guest  at  that 
time.  We  will  not  say  good-by  to  the  brothers, 
as  we  expect  to  meet  them  again  very  soon. 
There  is  another  part  of  Abington,  that  was 
formerly  called  the  East  Village.  We  take  the 
train  over  the  branch  road  this  morning  and  ride 
one  mile  to  the  stirring  village  of 


NEARING  THE    LAST    MILESTONE.  209 


ROCKLAND. 

We  sec  not  many  rocks  here,  but  well  laid  out 
streets,  large,  handsome  brick  and  wooden  blocks. 
Business  of  various  kinds  is  engaged  in  by  men 
and  women  of  enterprise  and  capital.  Everything 
about  the  village  is  new  and  attractive.  Standish 
Lodge  occupies  a  prominent  place  among  the 
social  and  fraternal  organizations.  We  will  walk 
about  town  and  make  the  acquaintance  of  some  of 
the  brothers.  L.  W.  Easton  is  in  the  drug-store. 
Here  are  Brothers  Barry,  Gifford,  Beals,  Maries, 
and  Wade.  Let  us  return  to  Hotel  Jackson  and 
rest  until  evening.  Here  is  Brother  Fred  S. 
Childs,  of  Natick.  He  gives  us  a  good  account 
of  the  lodge  at  that  place.  This  is  a  fine  hall. 
The  banquet  hall  looks  as  if  the  boys  had  been 
earnestly  discussing  the  good  things  of  life,  and  no 
one  had  been  in  since  their  departure,  in  the  "  wee, 
sma' '  hours  of  night.  Brothers  Damon  and 
Cooper  can  give  us  a  full  account  of  the  affair,  if 
we  desire  to  hear  their  story.  Brothers  Brooks, 
Home,  and  Hunt  tell  them  to  "go  on."  It  is  time 
to  open  the  lodge.  The  boys  are  expressing 
pleasure  because  there  is  no  work  or  business  to 
make  a  long  session.  It  is  early  to  bed  with  them 
to-night. 

We  will  continue  on  the  branch  road  this  morn- 
ing and  make 


2IO  ON  THE    ROAD. 


HANOVER, 

generally  called  the  "  Four  Corners."  We  are 
pretty  well  out  in  the  country  now.  The  gentle- 
manly conductor  is  doing  us  a  kind  favor  by  show- 
ing us  the  way  to  the  public  house.  Our  landlord 
is  Brother  J.  G.  Knight,  a  veteran  member  ot 
Tremont  Lodge,  Boston.  We  will  try  to  make 
our  way  to  that  large  building.  Brother  Charles 
D.  Barnard  has  a  harness-shop  upstairs.  He  has 
experienced  some  of  the  physical  misfortunes 
which  come  to  man  as  well  as  those  who  have 
seen  more  years  than  he.  We  were  told  by  the 
brothers  of  Winthrop  Lodge  that  the  members 
of  North  River  Lodge  are  noted  for  their  punctual 
attendance  at  the  weekly  meetings.  No  matter 
what  the  condition  of  the  weather,  they  come  from 
the  east,  west,  north,  and  south,  and  sit  down  to- 
gether, a  band  of  united  brothers.  This  is  not 
much  of  a  night  for  excursion  parties  on  foot  or 
by  team  ;  but  there  are  thirty-five  brothers  present. 
Some  of  them  have  come  three  and  four  miles  to 
exchange  pleasant  greetings.  It  is  not  special 
business  or  degree  work  that  has  called  them  out. 
This  is  a  nice,  coscy  hall,  with  ample  room  for  a 
social  sit-down.  North  River  Lodge  has  one 
hundred  and  forty-eight  members,  and  is  finan- 
cially strong  and  prosperous.  I  shall  deem  it  a 
great  favor  to  have  the  brothers  place  their  auto- 


NEARINC    THE    LAST    MILESTONE.  211 

graphs  in  my  book.  Brothers  E.  P.  Littlefield, 
Noble  Grand,  please  place  your  name  on  this 
line.  John  G.  Knight,  George  H.  Bates,  W. 
A.  Josselyn,  W.  A.  Howard,  E.  E„  Turner,  J. 
T.  Bates,  E.  C.  Waterman,  Thomas  Bastow,  L. 
T.  Harmond,  T.  A.  Lawrence,  A.  L.  Powers.  I 
thank  you,  brothers,  for  your  signatures.  The 
sight  of  these  will  afford  me  pleasure  in  years  to 
come.  We  shall  long  remember  our  meeting 
with  the  brothers  of  North  Star  Lodge.  Here  are 
three  members  of  the  Order,  guests  at  the  hotel : 
C.  F.  Drew,  Charlestown ;  C.  R.  Alger,  Coopers- 
town,  N.Y. ;  A.  D.  Jaquith,  Boston.  We  will  take 
the  train  this  morning  and  journey  on  to 

BRIDGEWATER. 

I  have  business  which  calls  me  into  this  section  of 
the  State  to-day.  We  will  remain  in  the  village 
overnight  and  attend  the  meeting  of  Pioneer 
Lodge.  F.  Dean  Swift  is  the  gentleman  I  wish  to 
call  upon.  He  is  employed  in  the  grocery  store 
on  the  lower  street.  I  was  not  aware  that  he  was 
a  brother  Odd  Fellow.  As  he  has  done  us  one 
good  turn,  I  will  ask  him  to  direct  us  to  other 
brothers.  Here  are  the  names  on  the  card  he 
handed  you  :  A.  J.  Chamberlain,  G.  W.  Pratt,  W. 
M.  Carroll,  Charles  Lee,  L.  B.  Chamberlain.  The 
hall  is  near  the  post-office.  The  lodge  is  increas- 
ing   in    membership.     The    hall    accommodations 


212  ON   THE    ROAD. 

are  poor.  TI12  question  of  larger  and  better 
quarters  has  been  earnestly  discussed  by  Brothers 
Moulton,  Turner,   and  Wilbur. 

"  Just  closing  up  the  house,  gentlemen ;  past 
eleven  o'clock."  That  was  the  night  clerk  speak- 
in";.  It  would  be  hard  on  us  to  be  shut  into  the 
street  all  night.  We  need  rest  to  fit  us  for  our 
journey  to-morrow,  when  wc  go  to 

RANDOLPH. 

This  is  quite  a  busy  village.  The  shoe  manu- 
facturing business  is  dull,  so  "  the  boys  "  say.  We 
will  spend  the  evening  with  them.  Perhaps  we 
may  meet  some  old  friend.  The  hall  is  down 
street.  The  entrance  is  through  this  narrow  pas- 
sage, one  flight  up.  It  is  Rising  Star  Lodge ; 
George  L.  Pierce  is  Noble  Grand.  The  brothers 
are  considering  the  matter  of  celebrating  the 
seventy-second  anniversary  of  the  introduction  of 
Odd  Fellowship  into  America,  April  26th. 

Brothers  Willard,  Stetson,  Jones,  Houghton, 
and  others  have  expressed  their  opinions  freely 
regarding  it.  We  will  take  the  train  this  morning 
for  Boston,  attend  to  business  an  hour,  and  then 
rest  for  a  season. 

How  quickly  the  days  have  passed  !  We  are 
again  making  preparations  for  another  tour.  This 
time  it  is  to  spend  a  quiet  Sunday  with  an  old 
friend,  one  who  in  my  boyhood  days  walked  the 


NEARING   THE   LAST   MILESTONE.  213 

path  of  life  with  me.  I  invite  you,  Brother 
Reader,  to  accompany  me  on  this  trip  to  a  town 
where  there  is  no  Odd  Fellows'  lodge  and  not,  to 
my  knowledge,  any  members  of  the  Order  residing. 
We  take  the  train  over  the  Massachusetts  Central 
road  from  the  Boston  &  Lowell  station  and  ride 
sixteen  miles  to  the  town  of 


WAYLAND,  MASS. 


You  have  heard  of  different  kinds  of  smiths : 
black,  white,  gold,  and  silver  smiths.  The  Smith  I 
am  about  to  bring  to  your  notice  came  from  away 
down  in  the  eastern  part  of  Maine,  not  many  miles 
from  where  I  first  beheld  the  light  of  day.  He 
is  William  L.  Smith.  He  can  give  us  valuable  in- 
formation on  practical  farming.  From  early  boy- 
hood he  has  tilled  the  soil.  We  are  nearing  the 
station.  Here  is  the  Mr.  Smith  I  have  been 
speaking  about.  He  invites  us  to  a  seat  in  his 
fine  carriage.  We  have  a  two-mile  drive.  Here 
is  the  large  farm-house.  Mrs.  Smith  has  a  lunch 
ready  for  us  in  the  dining-room.  We  are  now 
going  with  our  friend  and  his  dog  "Sam"  for  a 
walk.  We  will  keep  our  eyes  and  ears  open  while 
Mr.  Smith  spreads  before  us  the  picturesque  land- 
scape. Here  is  a  farm  of  four  hundred  acres: 
grass,  tillage,  wood,  and  pasture  lands.  It  was 
once  owned  by  the  late  Mr.  dishing,  of  Boston. 
Later  it  became  the  property  of  Mr.   George  W. 


214  ON   THE    ROAD. 

Perkins,  of  Brookline,  Mass.  It  is  now  owned  by 
the  ladies  who  are  Mr.  Perkins'  heirs.  On  the 
summit  of  that  hill  is  the  mansion  where  the  ladies 
and  their  invited  guests  spend  the  summer  months. 
Mr.  George  Hancock,  the  man  at  work  in  the  field, 
has  superintended  the  farm  forty-three  years.  Mr. 
Perkins  generously  remembered  him  in  his  will. 
He  is  the  owner  of  that  large  farm  adjoining  this. 
Our  friend  Smith  is  successor  to  Mr.  Hancock  in 
superintending  the  farm  and  looking  after  the 
interests  of  the  proprietors  of  the  estate. 

We  must  now  part  with  our  friend  and  away 
to  the  station.  Mr.  Smith  says  the  team  will  be 
ready  very  soon.  It  will  be  very  pleasant  to  have 
his  company  to  the  depot.  Our  next  stopping- 
place  is 

HUDSON. 

The  business  part  of  this  village  is  a  short  distance 
from  the  station.  The  hotel,  post-office,  and  Odd 
Fellows  Hall  are  within  a  stone's  throw  of  each 
other.  There  are  no  familiar  faces  on  the  street. 
The  hall  of  Hudson  Lodge  will  be  open  in  fifteen 
minutes.  We  have  time  to  walk  down  the  street 
and  return  on  the  opposite  side.  There  is  a  light 
in  the  window.  Here  are  three  brothers:  E.  S. 
Locke,  I.  H.  Moore,  and  Fred  W.  Millay.  You 
have  a  fine  hall  here,  brothers.  How  large  is  the 
lodge  membership?  "About  one  hundred  and 
'fifty."     Here  is  the  Noble  Grand,  Fred  \V.  Ware, 


NEARING  THE   LAST   MILESTONE.  21  5 

and  Secretary  E.  F.  Welch.  We  have  the  lost 
Charlie  Ross  with  us  and  his  brother  Ernest. 
Brother  F.  P.  Glazier  is  the  noted  dog-fancier. 
He  and  George  H.  Harlow  go  on  some  big  hunt- 
ing expeditions.  They  always  send  a  special 
invitation  to  Brothers  Powers,  Chase,  Coolidge, 
Kinney,  Colburn  and  Holden  to  accompany  them, 
and  are  very  liberal  in  their  distribution  of  the 
game. 

There  are  only  five  more  towns  on  our  list  to  be 
visited,  and  then  our  journeyings  will  come  to  an 
end. 

How  pleasing  the  thought,  nearing  home.  This 
morning  we  will  go  to  Boston.  Then  we  can  take 
the  5.30  P.M.  train  on  the  Saugus  branch  at  the 
Eastern  station  for 

CLIFTONDALE. 

This  is  a  village  in  the  town  of  Saugus,  a  quiet 
resting-place  for  people  doing  business  in  Boston. 
There  are  a  few  stores  and  small  manufactories. 
The  Odd  Fellows  Hall  of  Cliftondale  is  in  the 
large  building  up  the  street.  We  are  just  in  time 
to  go  up  the  stairs  with  Brother  S.  L.  Powell. 
Here  is  a  fine  hall  with  large  anterooms,  where 
the  brothers  can  pass  their  evenings  enjoyably. 
The  degree  staff  is  preparing  to  show  us  some 
good  work  to-night.  Here  is  Brother  L.  L. 
DeLaite,  secretary.     If  he  has  a  spare  moment  he 


2l6  ON  THE   RCAD. 

may  favor  us  with  an  introduction  to  Brothers 
Rowell,  A.  H.  Hayden,  D.  B.  Hatch,  A.  F.  Hill, 
H.  O.  Patch,  F.  W.  Feakins,  C.  F.  Fife,  and  D. 
II.  Carter.  We  have  time  to  see  the  work. 
There  are  a  number  of  brothers  going  on  the  last 
train. 

This  is  the  morning  we  hail  with  gladness. 
To-day  we  gather  up  our  personal  effects  and  set 
our  faces  homeward.  We  have  a  few  more 
places  to  visit  along  the  route.     The  first  is 

NEWBURYPORT. 

It  has  been  a  long,  tedious  ride.  We  are  in  the 
busy  part  of  the  city.  The  shoe-shops  are  all 
running  with  a  large  force  of  employees.  "  Qua- 
scacunquen"  Lodge  numbers  upward  of  three 
hundred  members.  The  hall  is  on  the  upper 
street.  We  will  find  our  way  up  the  long 
flight  of  winding  stairs.  The  first  brothers  to 
salute  us  with  friendly  greetings  are  S.  Warren 
Frost,  Noble  Grand,  and  W.  H.  Welch.  There 
arc  a  large  number  of  brothers  present.  The 
question  of  better  hall  accommodations  has  brought 
them  out.  The  grand  entertainment  given  the 
brothers  by  the  members  of  Mutual  Relief  Lodge, 
Haverhill,  has  fanned  the  flame  of  fraternal  devo- 
tion and  created  a  desire  to  reciprocate  the  cour- 
tesies shown  them.  The  only  hinderance  in  the 
way  to  give  the  Haverhill  brothers  a  royal  recep- 


NEARING   THE    LAST   MILESTONE.  2\J 

tion  is  the  poor  accommodation  afforded  by  their 
hall.  The  adage,  "  Where  there's  a  will,  there's 
a  way,"  has  removed  every  stumbling-block,  and 
the  committee  will  see  that  the  wishes  of  the 
large  majority  are  carried  out.  It  will  be  a  hard 
matter  for  a  few  brothers  to  run  counter  to  the 
plans  of  such  workers  as  Brothers  Morrison,  Lord, 
Littlefield,  Cooper,  Hollis,  Hopkins,  Reed,  and 
dozens  of  equally  cool-headed,  resolute  men. 
We  take  those  cars  this  afternoon  and  ride  to 

AMESBURY, 

the  great  carriage  manufacturing  town.  I  am  not 
at  a  loss  where  to  find  an  old  brother  and  friend 
in  this  place.  We  will  walk  down  the  street  to 
the  large  store  opposite  the  railroad  station  and 
inquire  for  John  M.  Garland.  He  was  head  clerk 
in  that  store  eight  years  ago.  I  think  he  will 
remember  me.  The  young  man  at  the  desk  says, 
"  Mr.  Garland  is  upstairs  in  the  packing-room." 
He  smiles  as  we  approach  him.  What  does  he 
say?  "  It  is  the  Veteran  Past  Grand,  editor  of 
the  '  Odd  Fellows'  Register.'  "  — "You  are  right  in 
part,  my  brother,  I  am  the  ex-editor.  Brother 
Garland,  where  can  we  find  comfortable  quarters 
for  the  night?  We  are  here  to  visit  Pow-Wow 
River  Lodge."  —  "You  will  find  excellent  accom- 
modations at  Mrs.  Carswell's  house  on  the  oppo- 
site   side    of  the    street."       Mrs.    Carswell    is    an 


2l8  ON    THE    ROAD. 

estimable  lady.  Mr.  Carswcll,  the  doctor,  is  an 
aged  gentleman,  the  subject  of  disease.  He  is  an 
ancient  Odd  Fellow.  We  are  really  fortunate  in 
getting  into  such  a  home-like  place.  The  lodge 
hall  is  in  the  building  near  the  mills.  It  is  the 
same  as  when  I  visited  the  lodge  years  ago. 
Here  are  Brothers  Randall,  Curtis,  Gibson,  and 
Webb.  Brother  Garland  will  officiate  as  Degree 
Master.  We  will  return  and  call  upon  some  of 
the  brothers  about  town  in  the  morning.  Per- 
haps we  may  obtain  permission  to  look  into  some 
of  the  large  carriage-shops.  Here  is  Brother  S. 
H.  Wiggin's  hair- dressing  rooms.  He  will  give 
us  a  list  of  names  of  brothers  to  call  upon:  G. 
H.  Pcttengill,  C.  W.  Allen,  C.  F.  Camp,  W.  N. 
Park,  C.  L.  Kelley,  N.  O.  Sawyer,  G.  W.  Crou- 
ther,  Henry  Oaks.  We  will  now  go  to  the  elec- 
tric-car station  and  start  for 

MERRIMAC. 

It  is  quite  a  long  ride,  but  we  are  travelling  nearly 
as  fast  as  by  steam.  There  are  but  few  stations 
along  the  route.  We  will  call  at  this  harness-shop 
and  inquire  for  D.  W.  Gould.  The  man  at 
the  cutting-bench  answers  to  that  name.  Glad 
we  have  found  a  brother  and  friend.  He 
desires  us  to  go  to  the  large  carriage  manufactory 
shops  and  inquire  for  the  Pease  Brothers.  There 
are  three  of  them,  all  members  of  Riverside  Lodge. 


NEARING    THE    LAST    MILESTONE.  219 

Brother  Gould  will  go  and  introduce  us  to  the 
proprietors  of  the  establishment  of  James,  Frank, 
and  John  T.  Pease.  One  of  the  brothers  volun- 
teers to  show  us  through  the  shop  and  allow 
us  to  interview  the  workmen.  Many  of  them 
are  members  of  the  Order.  Here  are  Brothers 
Cunningham,  Sawyer,  Smith,  Crouse,  Davis, 
George  Crouse,  Burke,  and  Follansbee.  We  will 
go  to  the  restaurant  and  have  supper.  It  is  over 
one  hour  before  the  lodge  opens.  Mr.  Hill  is  at 
work  in  the  harness  shop.  I  used  to  be  acquainted 
with  him  years  ago  in  Skowhegan,  Me.  We  will 
have  a  social  chat.  The  lodge  hall  is  in  the  large 
block  on  the  street  below  the  post-office.  There 
are  quite  a  number  of  brothers  present.  Many  of 
them  we  have  not  met  in  the  shops.  Here  are  the 
Pease  Brothers.  We  are  glad  to  meet  you  again ; 
also  Brothers  McDonald,  Wells,  Stevens,  Tucker- 
well,  Cummings,  and  Williams.  We  have  passed 
a  pleasant  evening  among  you.  Hope  to  come 
and  see  you  again.  Brother  W.  W.  Chose  invited 
us  to  go  home  with  him  and  spend  the  night. 
Good-night,  brothers ! 

To-day  we  reach  the  end  of  our  long  journey, 
after  we  have  spent  one  more  evening  among  the 
brothers  at 

GEORGETOWN. 

Here    we    are    in    a    smart    shoe    manufacturing 
town,    among  wide-awake    Odd    Fellows.     I    well 


220  ON    THE    ROAD. 

remember  my  first  visit  to  this  place,  in  1882. 
The  hall  of  Protection  Lodge  is  the  same  as  when 
I  met  with  the  brothers  at  that  time.  We  had 
better  rest  at  the  hotel  until  the  hall  is  open. 
Here  arc  Brothers  Perlcy,  Smith,  Howe,  Prescott, 
Tilton,  Mctcalf,  Hall,  and  Bailey.  This  is  one  of 
the  finest  halls  in  the  State.  Do  you  notice  the 
beautiful  wall  decorations  and  oil  paintings? 
Here  all  the  lessons  of  the  ritual  are  vividly  por- 
trayed. We  would  be  pleased  to  meet  with  the 
brothers  when  there  are  a  large  number  present, 
and  will  make  it  a  point  to  do  so  at  some  future 
time.  We  will  make  some  calls  at  the  shoe-shops 
this  morning  and  speak  with  Brother  J.  E.  Bailey, 
proprietor.  He  is  very  kind  in  permitting  us  to 
converse  with  Brothers  Daniels  and  Charles  J. 
Bailey.  He  says,  "  There  are  a  number  of  broth- 
ers in  the  shop  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street. 
Inquire  for  J.  L.  Huntington."  He  will  show  us 
Brothers  Fairbrother,  Wiley,  Peaks,  Scates,  Cor- 
wins,  Palmer,  White,  and  Batchelder. 

The  expected  moment  has  arrived.  We  will 
hasten  on  board  the  train,  and  in  the  words  of  the 
poet  say,  "  Fly  swift  around,  ye  wheel  of  time,  and 
bring  the  welcome  clay !  "  How  rapidly  we  are 
passing  the  stations  along  the  route  !  We  are  at 
the  Scarboro'  crossing.  Now  the  Maine  General 
Hospital  and  the  high  grounds  of  Bramhall  come 
fully  to  view.  We  are  entering  the  Union  station. 
Horse-cars  to  the  city.     Down  Congress,  Middle, 


NEARING   THE    LAST    MILESTONE.  221 

Pearl,  and  Commercial  street,  and  we  are  on 
board  the  steamer  upon  the  smooth  waters  in 
Portland  harbor. 

Brother  Reader,  I  invite  you  to  take  a  stroll 
with  me  to-day.  We  will  go  to  the  city.  I  will 
introduce  you  to  some  of  my  newspaper  acquaint- 
ances. First  we  will  call  at  the  office  of  the 
"  Portland  Daily  Press."  In  years  past  I  have 
been  pleasantly  connected  with  the  paper  as  re- 
porter and  correspondent.  Allow  me  to  introduce 
you  to  Messrs.  Cobb,  Wade,  Hinds,  and  Fassett, 
of  the  editorial  staff;  Mr.  Nutter  and  Mr.  Morton, 
business  managers  and  book-keepers ;  and  Mr. 
George  H.  Lefavor,  foreman  of  the  composing- 
room.  You  will  find  them  all  gentlemanly, 
obliging  newspaper-makers.  In  this  office  are 
Messrs.  Osgood,  Barrows,  and  Melvin,  of  the 
"Argus''  editorial  staff.  On  Market  street  is  the 
"  Sunday  Times  "  office.  This  is  Mr.  Giles  O. 
Bailey,  the  editor.  This  gentleman  at  the  desk  is 
Mr.  Robert  Rexdale,  Portland's  gifted  poet,  local 
editor  of  the  "  Times." 

At  the  post-office  I  will  introduce  you  to  Hon. 
Herbert  G.  Briggs,  postmaster,  and  Leroy  S.  San- 
born, Esq.,  chief  clerk.  Down  on  Exchange 
street  is  the  office  of  the  "  Odd  Fellows'  Register." 
We  will  ascend  the  stairs  and  speak  with  Mr.  T. 
D.  Sale,  the  editor  and  proprietor. 

You  will  enjoy  a  sail  this  beautiful  day  in  the 
harbor  on  the   steam-ferry   "  Cornelia  H."      The 


222  ON    THE    ROAD. 

boat  is  ready  to  start.     The  landing  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  harbor  is 

SOUTH    PORTLAND. 

A  short  walk  up  the  street,  and  we  will  find  a 
comfortable  resting-place  at  the  office  of  the 
"  Cape  Elizabeth  Sentinel,"  edited  and  published 
by  Harford  Brothers.  Here  is  my  old  friend 
John  Henry.  He  is  busy  reading  proof  and 
making  up  the  form.  Brother  Harford,  allow  me 
to  introduce  you  to  Brother  Reader,  my  old  trav- 
elling companion.  He  desires  to  look  about  your 
village,  to  enter  Castle  Hall,  and  sec  where  the 
K.P.  and  I.O.O.F.  boys  hold  their  weekly  assem- 
blies. We  have  some  time  to  remain  here  before 
returning  to  the  city.  I  will  introduce  you  to  some 
of  the  brothers  of  Elizabeth  City  Lodge.  There 
are  a  number  of  them  doing  business  on  the  street. 
Here  are  Brothers  Knight,  Hoes,  Spear,  Turrell, 
J.  O.  Smith,  Cole,  March,  Kemp,  and  Willard. 
Let  us  walk  up  the  road,  over  the  hill,  and  visit 
that  part  of  the  town  called 

WILLARD. 

Here  we  will  meet  men  who  may  exhibit  a 
rough,  unseemly  exterior,  but  possess  a  good,  true 
heart  within.  They  go  down  to  the  sea  in  small 
boats,  and  not  infrequently  get  in   return   for  days 


NEARING   THE    LAST   MILESTONE.  223 

and  nights  of  hard  labor  the  fishermen's  luck. 
Here  are  some  of  them  just  landing  at  the  shore. 
Let  us  see  how  many  little  and  big  fishes  they 
have  caught.  Here  are  Henry,  Jcdediah,  Samuel, 
Elijah,  and  George  Loviett,  and  Allen  Cole.  This 
is  the  Loviett  District.  Mr.  Simonton  keeps  the 
store  and  post-office.  We  will  keep  the  shore 
road  down  to  the  ferry-landing,  and  return  to  the 
city. 

This  is  a  fine  morning.  I  will  procure  a  team, 
that  we  may  enjoy  a  drive  to  Knightville,  Turner's 
Island,  Ligonia,  and  the  Rolling  Mills.  We  have 
a  grand  view  from  Bramhall  and  Munjoy. 

END    OF   THE   JOURNEY. 

Here,  Brother  Reader,  I  cannot  better  express 
my  feelings  than  in  the  words  of  the  poet  when  I 
clasp  your  friendly  hand  :  — 


"  When  a  man  ain't  got  a  cent,  and  he's  feelin'  kind  o'  blue, 
An'  the  clouds  hang  dark  an'  heavj',  an'  won't  let  the  sun- 
shine through, 
It's  a  great  thing,  oh,  my  brethren,  for  a  feller  just  to  lay 
His  hand  upon  your  shoulder  in  a  friendly  sort  o'  way. 


"  It  makes  a  man  feel  curious;  it  makes  the  teardrops  start, 
And  you  sort  o'  feel  a  nutter  in  the  region  of  the  heart.  • 
You  can't  look  up  an'  meet  his  eyes;  you  don't  know  what  to 

say, 
When  his  hand  is  on  your  shoulder  in  a  friendly  sort  o'  way. 


224  0-^T   THE    ROAD. 

"  Oh,  the  world's  a  curious  compound,  with  its  honey  and  its 

gall, 
With  its  cares  and  bitter  cross;   but  a  good  world  after  all. 
And  a  good  Got!  must  have  made  it —  leastways  that's    what  I 

say, 
When  a  hand  rests  on  my  shoulder  in  a  friendly  sort  o'  wav." 


WORKS  OF  EDWARD  E.  HALE. 


CHRISTMAS  IN  NARRAGANSETT. 

This  collection  brings  together  all  the  more  prominent  characters 
in  Mr.  Hale's  stories,  and,  tor  the  season,  disposes  of  them  all. 

Cloth,  $1.00. 
FORTUNES  OF  RACHEL. 

"  In  this  novel  the  author  has  seized  upon  that  element  of  ro- 
mance most  characteristic  of  American  life, —  its  sudden  changes 
and  sharp  contrasts."     Cloth,  $1.00. 

OUR  CHRISTMAS  IN  A  PALACE. 

"The  stories  are  among  the  best  that  Mr.  Hale  has  written.  .  .  . 
No  American  writer  of  ficiion  is  more  highly  appreciated  than 
Edward  Everett  Hale."     Cloth,  $1.00. 

IN  HIS  NAME. 

A  story  of  the  Waldenses  seven  hundred  years  ago.  Paper,  25 
cents;  cloth,  $1.00. 

TEN  TIMES  ONE  IS  TEN. 

The  story  of  the  Wadsworth  Club.     Paper,  25  cents  ;  cloth,  $1.00. 

TEN-TIMES-ONE  CIRCULARS. 

Used  for  forming  clubs.     Board  covers.     6o.cents. 

EASTER. 

A  collection,  consisting  of  twelve  Sermons  and  twelve  Easter 
Poems,  carefullyselecred. '.  Small  quarto.  Attractive  style.  Avery 
pretty  gift-book.     Cloth,  50  cents;  full  gilt,  75  cents. 

RED  AND  WHITE. 

The  Christmas  Gift  of  1888.  42  pp.  Paper,  20  cents ;  cloth, 
40  cents. 

DAILY  BREAD. 

A  Story  of  the  Snow  Blockade.     Paper,  20  cents;  cloth,  40  cents. 

WHAT  IS  THE  AMERICAN  PEOPLE? 

An  Address  delivered  before  the  Phi  Beta  Kappa  of  Brown 
University,  1885.     Paper,  20  cents. 


HOW   THEY   LIVED   IN   HAMPTON. 

A  Story  of  Practical  Christianity.     Applied  in  the  Manu- 
facture of  Woollens. 

By  Edward  Evekett  Hale.     i2mo.    $1.00;  pap.,  $0.30. 

In  the  present  volume  is  pictured  an  ideal  manufacturing  town  in 
New  England,  where  a  cooperative  woollen  mill  furnishes  employment, 
each  employe  owns  a  home  and  an  acre  or  more  of  land,  and  the  town 
furnishes  every  facility  for  education,  public  entertainment,  and  social 
intercourse.  It  is  a  new  solution  of  the  problem  of  cooperation,  as 
worked  out  by  a  manufacturer  of  large  experience. 


MY   FRIEND  THE   BOSS. 

A  Story  of  To-Day. 
By  Edward  Everett  Hale.     121110.    $1.00. 
A  story  of  possible  government  of  American  cities,  and  a  practical 
study  of  our  social  and   political  order.     "  My  Friend  the  Boss,"  as  he 
says   himself,  likes  good  government,  is  willing  to  give  his  time  to  se- 
cure it,  and  with  his  time,  his  money. 


THE   MAN   WITHOUT   ArCOUNTRY. 

• 

By  Edward  Everett  Hale.    $0.50;  school  edition,  board  covers, 
$0.25;  pap.,  $0.20. 

This  ingeniously  wrought  story,  now  well  known,  first  appeared 
during  the  Civil  War,  and  at  a  time  most  opportune.  Its  purpose  is  to 
illustrate  how  important  to  a  man  is  the  land  of  his  birth  and  the  great 
privilege  of  citizenship.  It  is  well  shown,  by  supposing  one  not  only 
to  he  banished,  but  placed  so  that  Jujfcinnot  even  hear  from  or  about  his 
country  the  rest  of  his  life. 


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TOM   TORREY'S   TARIFF   TALKS; 

Or,  The  American  System. 
By  Edwakd  Everett  Hale.    $0.50;  pap.,  $0.20. 
These  are  statements  of  eight  important  points  in  the  discussion  of 
the  American  System  of  Tariff.     They  show  that  it  is  meant   not  for  a 
few  manufacturers,  but  for  the  American  people. 


LIFE   OF   COLONEL   JACK. 

By  Daniel  De  Foe.    Edited  by  Edward  E.  Hale. 

This  story  is  often  spoken  of  as  the  second  Robinson  Crusoe.  The 
first  edition  was  published  in  London,  1722.  The  book  has  perhaps 
been  kept  out  of  sight  bythe  world-wide  popularity  of  the  first  Robinson 
Crusoe,  but  it  is  recognized  as  De  Foe's  best  romance  after  that. 

The  hero  is  brought  from  England  as  a  white  slave  to  Virginia, 
where  he  lives  on  the  Potomac,  near  the  site  of  the  present  city  of 
Washington.  It  is  the  best  studv  we  have  of  the  system  of  white 
slavery  in   Virginia.     $0.75;  pap.,  $0.30. 

J.  STILMAN  SMITH  &  CO.,  Publishers,  Boston. 


A   NEW   SCHOOL    READER. 


Edward  Everett  Hale's  Patriotic  Story, 

"THE    MAN    WITHOUT    A    COUNTRY." 


This  little  book,  written  during  the  war,  and  intended 
to  assist  in  raising  the  standard  of  love  of  country  and 
true  patriotism,  is  well  fitted  for  the  study  of  our  young 
people  to-day. 

Its  pure  English  and  vivid  descriptions,  added  to 
its  patriotic  character,  make  it  eminently  a  fit  book  for 
supplementary  reading  in  grammar  and  high  schools. 

Printed  on  white  paper  with  clear  type,  and  bound  in 
attractive  covers  displaying  the  American  flag,  it  cannot 
fail  to  please. 

Cloth,   50  cents ;    board    covers,    25    cents ; 
paper   covers,    20   cents. 

Sent,  postpaid,  on  receipt  of  price. 
We  are  glad  to  send  sample  copies  to  superintendents 
or  teachers  of  schools  for  15  cents. 

We  make  a  liberal  discount  to  schools. 


J.    STILMAN     SMITH    &     CO., 

Publishers, 

3    Hamilton    Place,   Boston,   Mass. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 

This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


Form  L9-Series  4939 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


AA    000  392  710 


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